Mandarin | Mandarin Orange | What is Mandarin Orange | Uses of Mandarin oil

Mandarin | Mandarin Orange | What is Mandarin Orange | Mandarin Fruit | Varieties of Mandarin Orange Fruit | Uses of Mandarin oil | Nutritional Value of Mandarin

The Mandarin orange, also known as mandarin or mandarine, is a small citrus tree (Citrus reticulata) with fruit resembling other oranges. The fruit is oblate, rather than spherical. Mandarin oranges are usually eaten plain, or in fruit salads. Specifically reddish orange mandarin cultivars can be marketed as tangerines, but this is not a botanical classification.

The tree is more drought-tolerant than the fruit. The mandarin is tender, and is damaged easily by cold. It can be grown in tropical and subtropical areas.

Varieties of Mandarin orange:

The Mandarin orange is but one variety of the orange family.

The mandarin has many names, some of which actually refer to crosses between the mandarin and another citrus fruit.

* Mikan, the source of most canned mandarines, of which there are over 200 cultivars

* Owari, a well-known mikan cultivar which ripens during the late fall season

* Clementine, becoming the most important commercial mandarin variety, have displaced mikans in many markets

* Tangerine, sometimes known as a ‘Christmas Orange’, as its peak season is December and children would often receive one in their Christmas stockings.

* Satsuma, a seedless variety growing in popularity in the U.S. for its ease of consumption

* Tangor, also called the temple orange, a cross between the mandarin and the common orange; its thick rind is easy to peel and its bright orange pulp is sweet, full-flavored, and tart

The mandarin is easily peeled with the fingers, starting at the thick rind covering the depression at the top of the fruit, and can be easily split into even segments without squirting juice. This makes it convenient to eat, as utensils are not required to peel or cut the fruit.

Canned mandarin segments are peeled to remove the white pith prior to canning; otherwise, they turn bitter. Segments are peeled using a chemical process. First, the segments are scalded in hot water to loosen the skin; then they are bathed in a lye solution which digests the albedo and membranes. Finally, the segments undergo several rinses in plain water.

What are the Medical Uses of Mandarin Fruit:

* The dried peel of the fruit of C. reticulata is used in the regulation of ch’i in Traditional Chinese medicine.

* The peel is also used to treat abdominal distention, enhance digestion, and to reduce phlegm.

Uses of Mandarin Oil:

* Since this oil has anti-septic properties, it can prevent wounds from getting septic, and from viral, fungal or bacterial infections. Mandarin oil also has fungicidal and bactericidal properties.

* Mandarin oil has anti-spasmodic properties and can prevent spasmodic coughs, respiratory problems and congestion. It can prevent spasms in the digestive system, thus, preventing cramps and vomiting. It can even prevent spasms in the nervous system.

* Mandarin oil is good for the blood circulation and for the circulation of the lymph. This way, it keeps the skin rejuvenated and can also provide relief to people with arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

* This essential oil is good for the immune system.

* Mandarin oil helps new cells and tissues to grow. This way, it helps in wound healing.

* It is a blood purifier and can flush out the toxins and the unwanted substances from the body.

* Mandarin oil is also good for digestion, and a few drops of oil in your food can improve your digestion by stimulating the digestive juices.

* It also acts as a sedative and is good for nervous disorders.

Nutritional Value of Mandarin Fruit: