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Introduction
*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 -
- Enhances the immunity against infections
- Maintains the elasticity of blood vessels and thus lowers the risk of atherosclerosis
- Maintains the elasticity of skin, keeps it soft and supple and prevents bruising
- Repairs the skin and other tissues
- Increases the absorption of iron from the intestines
- Improves would healing
- Prevents the formation of clots in the blood
- Reduces the risk of cancer
- As an antioxidant, fights against the free radicals that damage our cells, reduces the risk of heart diseases, cancer and other degenerative diseases
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.
6. Good source of dietary fiber. It adds roughage to the contents of the intestines, promotes satiety, promotes the health of the colon, and also helps in relieving constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders, and also helps weight loss and its maintenance.
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