The Mandarin Orange(citrus reticulata) is a small citrus tree with fruit resembling other oranges, though the fruit is oblate, rather than spherical. The tree is more drought-tolerant than the fruit which is tender, and damaged easily by cold. It can be grown in tropical and subtropical areas.
The mandarin has many names which actually refer to crosses between the mandarin and another citrus fruits: Examples include the Clementine, the most important commercial mandarin variety, and the Tangerine, sometimes known as a 'Christmas Orange', as its peak season is December, the Satsuma, a seedless variety growing in popularity for its ease of consumption. The mandarin is easily peeled with the fingers, and can be easily and neatly split into even segments. This makes it convenient to eat, as utensils are not required to peel or cut the fruit. The dried peel of the fruit of citrus reticulata is used in the regulation of qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as to treat abdominal distention, enhance digestion, and to reduce phlegm.
The Mandarin of the name refers to the bright orange robes worn by the mandarins, public officials of the ancient Chinese court. Another distinguishing reason why they are called mandarin oranges is that these fruits were often reserved strictly for the privileged class in Asia. Although cultivated for over 3,000 years in China, mandarin oranges did not reach Europe and North America until the nineteenth century. The first mandarin oranges to be exported were shipped from the city of Tangiers in Morocco, hence the moniker 'Tangerines'.
The mandarin has many names which actually refer to crosses between the mandarin and another citrus fruits: Examples include the Clementine, the most important commercial mandarin variety, and the Tangerine, sometimes known as a 'Christmas Orange', as its peak season is December, the Satsuma, a seedless variety growing in popularity for its ease of consumption. The mandarin is easily peeled with the fingers, and can be easily and neatly split into even segments. This makes it convenient to eat, as utensils are not required to peel or cut the fruit. The dried peel of the fruit of citrus reticulata is used in the regulation of qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as to treat abdominal distention, enhance digestion, and to reduce phlegm.
The Mandarin of the name refers to the bright orange robes worn by the mandarins, public officials of the ancient Chinese court. Another distinguishing reason why they are called mandarin oranges is that these fruits were often reserved strictly for the privileged class in Asia. Although cultivated for over 3,000 years in China, mandarin oranges did not reach Europe and North America until the nineteenth century. The first mandarin oranges to be exported were shipped from the city of Tangiers in Morocco, hence the moniker 'Tangerines'.
No comments:
Post a Comment