Clementine

Clementine

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A clementine is a variety of mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata), so named in 1902. The exterior is a deep orange colour with a smooth, glossy appearance. Clementines can be separated into seven to fourteen segments. They tend to be very easy to peel, like a tangerine, but are almost always seedless. For this reason they are sometimes known as seedless tangerines; the clementine is also occasionally referred to as the Algerian tangerine. They are typically juicy and sweet, with less acid than oranges. Their oils, like other citrus fruits, contain mostly limonene as well as myrcene, linalool, α-pinene and many complex aromatics.

Most sources say that the clementine came to exist because of accidental hybridization, with the first fruits discovered by Father Clément Rodier in the garden of his orphanage in Misserghin, Algeria. However, there are claims it originated in China much earlier; one source describes it as nearly identical to the Canton mandarin widely grown in the Guangxi and Guangdong provinces in China.

The clementine is not always easy to distinguish from other varieties of mandarin oranges.[citation needed] As such, it should not be confused with similar fruit such as the satsuma or honey sweet orange, or other popular varieties.

This variety was introduced into California commercial agriculture in 1914, though it was grown at the Citrus Research Center (now part of the University of California, Riverside) as early as 1909. Clementines, usually grown in Algeria, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Greece, Italy, Israel, Lebanon, and Turkey have been available in Europe for many years. A market for them in the United States was created when the harsh 1997 winter in Florida devastated domestic orange production, increasing prices and decreasing availability. Clementines are typically sold in net bags contained in small wooden or cardboard boxes. They sell in large numbers from mid-November through January, giving them the nickname "Christmas oranges" in some markets.

Clementines lose their desirable seedless characteristic when they are cross-pollinated with other fruit. To prevent this, in 2006 growers such as Paramount Citrus in California threatened to sue local beekeepers to keep bees away from their crops.

 

Advantage of Clementine

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Clementines are a source of vitamin C: Vitamin C helps prevent upper respiratory tract infections, along with the common cold and flu. Stock up on clementines during this flu season to help prevent infection. When you are stressed over the holidays you use more vitamin C, so enjoy a minimum of two clementines a day to get a healthy intake.

They’re great for dental health: Clementines are a source of potassium, and getting enough dietary potassium decreases dental inflammation, reduces hypertension, and prevents tooth loss.

Protect your liver with clementines: Clementines contain choline, a B vitamin that aids in healthy liver function. We stress our liver during all the holiday parties this season. People with a deficiency of choline in their diet are more prone to developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis.

Clementines are a source of folate: Folate (or folic acid) is a part of the B-vitamin family. Recent studies have found that folate is necessary in the brain for the regulation of mood — if you find the holidays stressful, clementines are a stress buster. Folate is often used in conjunction with other therapies to aid in the treatment of depression, specifically in women.

Clementine oil is a potent antioxidant: The oil extracted from the peel of clementines, and other citrus fruits, has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant and pain reliever (antinociceptive). Include a bit of the peel in your smoothies to reap these benefits.

 

Disadvantage of Clementine

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Low in Fiber

If you're dieting, eating fiber can be beneficial, as it provides feelings of satiety. However, clementine  are relatively low in fiber, with just 2 g in an 100 g orange. In addition to making you feel full, fiber helps manage your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and helps promote regular bowel movements. Thus, eating oranges in place of foods higher in fiber can be detrimental for weight loss and general health.

 

Low in Protein

Eating clementine can be detrimental because they are low in protein. An 100 g orange contains just 1 g of protein, a nutrient your body needs for building and maintaining the integrity of muscles, skin and other bodily tissues. Protein can also aid in weight management. Due to the importance of protein, eating oranges instead of a snack richer in protein can have adverse effects on your health.

 

High in Sugar

While clementine don't contain any artificial sweeteners, the fruit is still rich in sugar, a simple carbohydrate. Simple carbohydrates provide a shorter duration of energy than complex carbohydrates, and sugar can also promote tooth decay. Additionally, sugar has a high glycemic index, meaning it can have a large effect on your blood sugar levels. According to research published in the June 2011 issue of "The Journal of Nutrition," consuming foods with higher glycemic index ratings can slow weight loss progress.

 

Low in Amino Acids

Clementine contain minimal levels of amino acids, which help build and repair cells and activate enzymes and hormones. Amino acids can aid in weight loss, muscle gain and sports performance; research published in the February 2009 edition of "The Journal of Nutrition," one amino acid, arginine, can promote increases in lean muscle mass and reductions in body fat.

 

Low in Minerals

Although oranges provide a range of vitamins, they are low in minerals. Clementine contain virtually no iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium or phosphorus.