*Clementines are the fruits of the tree, Citrus reticulata, a variety of mandarins.

*They are also known as ‘Christmas oranges’ and ‘Darling of oranges’.

*The fruits are slightly oblate, or globose, or oblong or pyriform in shape.

*They are tiniest of all mandarins, and are a cross between sweet orange and Chinese mandarin.

*The fruit has an outer slightly thick, easily peelable, deep orange colored skin, and 10-12 juicy segments inside.

*These are very sweet, juicy and are usually seedless.

*Buying and storage: Select Clementines that are firm, heavy in the hand for its size, with shiny, brightly colored skin, without any bruises, soft spots, shriveling, spotting, or white patches. They should have a sweet orange aroma and not fermented smell. They keep well for up t o3-4 days at room temperature. But when stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag, they will keep well for up to 2 weeks.

Is it raw?

Yes, clementines can be eaten raw and fresh.

1. Clementines are low in calories, fat and no cholesterol, and a high water content.

2. Very good source of Vitamin C, a natural water soluble antioxidant with the following important functions in the human body -

3. Low in sodium and good source of potassium, which helps maintain normal blood pressure, reduces the risk of hypertension, helps transmit nerve impulses to muscles, and improves muscle contraction.

4. Moderate source of minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which play a very important role in maintaining proper metabolic activities of the body.

5. Moderate source of vitamins like thiamine, niacin, Vitamin B6, folic acid, and trace amounts of Vitamin E, which are essential to maintain the normal activities of the body.