Content
A hybrid of an orange and a tangerine is called a clementine. This is an interesting fruit with a bright orange peel, a sweetish taste and a hint of slight bitterness. It is grown in the countries of the Mediterranean region, from where it is exported, including to Russia. In appearance it looks more like a tangerine.
What is the name of an orange crossed with a tangerine?
If you combine a tangerine and a king orange, you get a hybrid called a clementine. Currently, it is grown almost everywhere in warm countries. It is exported to Europe and other regions. They are mainly sold fresh - fruits with two leaves, which are specially left at the base.
A hybrid of orange and tangerine, it has a pleasant glossy appearance. It is sweet, but has a spicy bitterness. Used both fresh and for preparing various dishes and drinks:
- juice;
- liquor;
- brandy;
- marinade;
- base for sauces;
- infusions;
- fruit ice cubes;
- jams;
- medicinal preparations (from the peel).
Like oranges and tangerines, the hybrid should be stored cold, in a special compartment of the refrigerator for vegetables. You can even grow it at home, although it is quite difficult.Most often, the fruits are small and sour.
You can buy citrus fruits in the store at an affordable price. When choosing, you first need to look at the peel. It should not be dried out, lethargic, or woody. This condition indicates that the fruits have been lying around for a long time or are overripe. If they are heavy, the skin is green and difficult to peel off, then, on the contrary, they are not ripe. Also, you should not buy fruits with brown spots or rotten areas.
The sales season is from late October to February.
History of origin
The hybrid of mandarin and orange received variety status in 1902. He was named after a missionary from France named Clément Rodier. According to some reports, it was she who discovered the hybrid mandarin in one of the shelters in Algeria.
There is another version of the origin of citrus. It is believed that he appeared much earlier. Initially, the fruit grew in Asian countries, and then spread throughout the Mediterranean region. I immediately liked the hybrid of tangerine and orange for its interesting taste and aroma.
Description and types of hybrid
Clementine is similar in appearance to a tangerine. The fruits are small, round, slightly flattened on top and bottom. The color is rich orange, maybe closer to red. The peel is hard and adheres well to the pulp. The taste is sweet, with a pleasant bitterness, the flesh is juicy.
At the same time, clementine has several differences from mandarin:
- the shape is more rounded;
- the peel is dense, not loose;
- cold-resistant;
- contain more carotenoids, vitamin C and flavonoids.
All clementines are divided into three groups:
- Seedless ones are the most convenient because they have no seeds at all.
- Clementines - they have no more than 10 seeds.
- Montreal group - more than 10 seeds.
The hybrid of tangerine and orange includes a number of varieties. The main types are:
- Spanish - produces small and large fruits. Each of them has several seeds.
- Montreal is a rare hybrid. It is grown in Algeria and Spain. The fruits are medium-sized, with a large number of seeds - 10-12.
- Another citrus hybrid of tangerine and orange is called Corsican. These are fruits with a bright orange-red color. The advantage of this species is that it has no seeds at all.
Chemical composition and calorie content
A hybrid of orange and tangerine is a fruit called clementine. The fruit contains many useful substances, including:
- vitamins A, group B (B1, B2, B5, B6, B9), C, PP;
- potassium;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- sodium;
- phosphorus;
- iron;
- manganese;
- copper;
- selenium;
- zinc.
Clementines are rich in vitamins and minerals
Calorie content is 47 kcal per 100 g. Nutritional value for the same weight:
- proteins – 0.9 g;
- fats – 0.2 g;
- carbohydrates – 10.3 g.
The composition also contains dietary fiber in the amount of 1.7 g, which is 8.5% of the daily value. Glycemic index 47 (for comparison: buckwheat 55, rice 60-70). Therefore, the fruit can be consumed in moderation for both types of diabetes. Clementine is also suitable for dietary nutrition. In this case, you are allowed to eat up to three fruits per day.
What are the benefits of a tangerine crossed with an orange?
Thanks to its rich composition, clementine provides the body with many benefits:
- strengthening the immune system;
- normalization of digestion;
- treatment of colds;
- prevention of influenza, viral pathologies, diverticulitis, development of type 2 diabetes mellitus;
- restoration of metabolism;
- improved mood;
- preventing insomnia;
- elimination of cellulite, stretch marks, warts;
- prevention of premature aging;
- anti-inflammatory effect;
- reducing the level of bad cholesterol.
If consumed in excess, citrus can be harmful. It contains organic substances called furanocoumarins. They can interact with heart medications and lead to complications. Therefore, you must first consult your doctor.
It should also be noted that furanocoumarins can enhance the effect of statins, substances that lower cholesterol levels.
In some cases, the use of a hybrid of tangerine and orange is contraindicated:
- gastritis with high acidity, especially during an exacerbation;
- stomach ulcer;
- digestive disorders;
- problems with tooth enamel;
- allergic reactions, individual intolerance;
- increased concentration of potassium in the blood.
Conclusion
A hybrid of orange and tangerine is no less healthy than other citrus fruits. This is an interesting fruit with a bright taste and contains vitamins and minerals. To obtain maximum benefits, it is better to consume clementine fresh.
