Spring Ingredient Essentials: Mandarin Oranges

They may be smaller and flatter than oranges, but with more antioxidants mandarins are a spring ingredient essential! Mandarins are rich in Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps the body in many ways, including supporting iron absorption and removing free radicals from the body. High in fiber, these small, orange colored fruits will keep you fuller longer. And at around 55 calories per mandarin, they fit big nutrition in a little package. Grab a few as a snack and do right by your body and your tastebuds!

How do I pick the best mandarins?

Mandarins, or mandarin oranges, include an entire class of citrus fruit varieties including clementines, satsumas, and tangerines. No matter the variety, look for fruits with a rich and bright orange hued skin. Keep in mind that the rind may have some green patches and still be fully ripe, so go by feel as well. The mandarin should feel heavy for its size, indicating it's extra juicy. Steer clear of any that have soft spots, cuts, or mold on them. Lastly, give your picks a deep whiff. Ripe mandarins will have a sweet, citrus smell you won’t be able to resist.

What can I make with mandarins?

Mandarins, like most citrus, are often enjoyed raw. Simply peel off the rind, remove any of the pith, and enjoy section by section. Add sections to your favorite salad for a burst of sweet citrus flavor or chop a few sections up and make a tropical salsa that hits just the right notes on fried fish tacos. Move on from savory to sweet and whip up a mandarin cream pie with a graham cracker crust or some mandarin tequila sorbet, the perfect adult ending to a great dinner!

To prep mandarins, simply rinse under cool water then remove rind and pith as you would with an orange. Once you have removed the rind, pull the sections apart and enjoy. You can also cut the sections out with a paring knife to eliminate the possibility of munching on bitter pith, a great method for salads.

If you don’t indulge in your mandarins immediately, store in a cool, dark place for a few days to extend freshness. To keep mandarins fresh for up to two weeks, store loose in the refrigerator crisper.

Recipes to try include: Mango-Orange Salsita, Ecuadorian Shrimp Ceviche, and Sapote and Tangerine Refresco.