What is the seedless Mandalate mandarin?
The Mandalate is a late-season seedless mandarin, obtained by crossing the Fortune and Avana varieties. It is a patented triploid hybrid with a thin, loosely adhering orange peel that is easy to peel, and a juicy pulp that does not dry out as it ripens. Its scent and flavor are reminiscent of the traditional Avana mandarin. It is harvested from February to April, making it one of the last mandarins of the season.
What is the difference between a mandarin and a clementine?
The mandarin is a citrus fruit in its own right (Citrus reticulata), often with seeds, a thicker, loosely adhering peel that is easy to remove, and a sweet taste with an acidic note. The clementine, on the other hand, is a tangerine: a hybrid between a mandarin and an orange, almost always seedless, with a thin, adhering peel and a very sweet taste.
Although similar, mandarinand clementinehave different origins and characteristics. The mandarinis an ancient species (Citrus reticulata), with a thicker, loosely adhering peel, often containing seeds (absent in the Mandalate), and a sweet taste with an acidic aftertaste. The clementine, on the other hand, is a hybrid between a mandarin and an orange: it has a thin, adhering peel, is almost always seedless, and is much sweeter.
Looking for the sweetest, seedless citrus fruit? Discover our organic Sicilian clementines.
What are late-season mandarins and when is their season?
Late-season mandarins are varieties that ripen at the end of the season, between winter and spring, when most other citrus fruits have already finished. Our Mandalate mandarin is harvested from February to April: this means you can enjoy fresh mandarins even when others are out of season. The overall mandarin season in Italy typically runs from October to spring, depending on the variety.
What are the nutritional properties and benefits of mandarin?
Mandarins are rich in water, vitamins, and minerals, with approximately 53 kcal per 100 g(indicative value for the edible part). The high content of vitamin Chelps support the immune system during colder months; the presence of vitamin A and P vitamins contributes to vision protection, while potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron complete the profile. Mandarins also aid digestion.
Why choose organic short-chain mandarins?
Because they are healthier and tastier: our mandarins are cultivated using certified organic farming methods by Bioagricert, without pesticides or synthetic chemical treatments, and are untreated on the surface—meaning their peel is edible, perfect for zest, candied fruit, and jams. They come from our family orchard in Francofonte (Syracuse), with over 60 years of experience in Sicilian citrus farming, and travel through a short supply chain: hand-picked and delivered throughout Italy in approximately 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions about mandarins
Do mandarins have seeds?
Common mandarins usually contain seeds. Our Mandalate mandarin, however, is a seedless variety: easy to peel and eat in segments.
How many calories does a mandarin have?
A mandarin has approximately 53 kcal per 100 g. It is largely composed of water and is naturally rich in vitamin C.
How many mandarins can you eat per day?
In a varied and balanced diet, 2–3 mandarins per day is a reasonable portion: even one fruit covers a good part of the daily vitamin C requirement. These are general guidelines, not medical advice.
Can you eat mandarins with the peel?
Yes: being organic and untreated on the surface, the peel is edible and suitable for grated zest, candied fruit, and jams. It should be washed well before use.
How do you store mandarins?
They can be stored for a few days at room temperature in a cool, dry place, or 1–2 weeks in the refrigerator in the fruit drawer. Being freshly picked, they are best consumed within a few days.
