Sweet, juicy, easy-to-eat clementines are in season and in stores for just a few short months. Come and get ’em.
Clementines are like Oranges 2.0. They’re the cute iPod version of the original, smaller and easier to grab and go. And they’re totally user friendly, with a thin skin that practically zips right off and virtually no seeds. [In fact, according to wiseGEEK, "a clementine with seeds is evidence that bees have been at work cross-pollinating the trees with other fruit."]
Clementines may look like their seed-filled cousin the tangerine, but they’re actually the smallest variety of mandarin oranges. Grown primarily in Spain, North Africa and California, clementines are rich in vitamin C, no surprise, but they also pack a lot of calcium and folic acid. And they’re rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants. Best of all, they’re just plain delicious. Their honey-sweet flesh and small segments make them perfect for snacking on out of hand or adding to salads.
Generally available from late fall to about February, clementines are at their peak right around the holidays. For that reason, they’re sometimes called Christmas oranges. Typically, they’re sold in boxes like the one shown above. Buy a whole box of these little beauties now, while they’re at their best—chances are you’ll be back for another. And by the way, is Darling Clementines one of the coolest brand names in recorded history or what?
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Whenever I see the Clementines in the store I am reminded of my daughter at age two walking around with one in each hand and juice dribbling down her chin. Love these. I hope you and your family have a safe and happy New Year’s and that 2010 is a fabulous year for you. See you next week.
Dani—What a great visual of your young daughter! And proof that kids learn to love good food early on if it’s made part of their lives when they’re little. I credit Marion with our girls’ love of fresh fruits. I grew up in a household where fruit was pretty much bananas, canned peaches and the occasional orange, but Marion always made sure there was plenty of fresh fruit around and that the girls ate it. And sure, there were also cookies, candies and such around, but these were doled out as little tastes at the end of a meal. As a result, our kids crave fresh fruit even more than they do sugary sweets.
A favorite of mine. And they are a wonderful decorative item for the Holidays. Also a memory - Agua de Valencia. Freshly squeezed Grove oranges & cava. A Breakfast of Champions!
Breakfast of Champions indeed, Helmut! Agua de Valencia, eh? Thanks for teaching me how to say mimosa with a Spanish accent.
Have you found any Spanish clementines for sale on the Upper east side of Manhattan this month? I haven’t.
Unfortunately, Chuck, I’m in Chicago. But I’m still seeing them here, so I’m hoping that means you can find them there. Good luck!