Clementines

A Clementine’s Journey from the Tree to Your Dinner Plate

The clementine is a citrus fruit loved for its sweet flavor and easy portability. While you may think of it as an everyday snack, there’s much more to its creation than meets the eye. From its initial cultivation in Spain almost 100 years ago, to its arrival at your grocery store, and finally on your plate, here’s a complete guide on the journey of a clementine — from tree to dinner plate.

The life-cycle of a Clementine

Cultivation

Clementines, sometimes known as “cuties” or “easy peels”, are a type of mandarin orange (citrus reticulate). This small citrus fruit first became popular in North American in the 1920s after its introduction from Spain, where it is believed to have been cultivated at an early date.

The production of clementines involves more than just someone planting a seed. To grow the perfect clementines, farmers must practice precision farming. This means they monitor soil moisture, wind exposure and ambient temperature to produce the best-tasting fruit possible. IR- or displacement-based probes can assess soil moisture to determine when the clementines are ready for harvesting.

Harvest

Clementines are hand-harvested throughout the short season with the presence of highly specialized workers, known as “thrity-fiveers.” The name, which refers to the task of harvesting 35 pieces of fruit before changing bags—was defined to keep up with the intense pace of the harvest. Different techniques may be used for picking clementines, depending on their age. Right before ripening, green clementines may be picked with their stem, while fully-ripened clementines are picked with a twist.

Post-harvest

Once harvested, the clementines are cooled quickly and transported to the packing plant. Here, they go through the cooling and sorting process. Clementines are either automatically or manually sorted according to their size, shape, and color. Any fruit with visible damage, brown spots, or excessive hairiness is immediately discarded.

At this point, the processing also includes a waxed finish, giving it its characteristic sheen, and extended shelf life. In some countries, like New Zealand, sulfur dioxide is applied to preserve flavor and color, although many countries have limited its use due to health concerns. After processing, the clementines are placed in cardboard cartons and packaged in the familiar bags or cling film.

Distribution and sale

Once the clementines are conditioned and ready, they are stored in controlled environments until it’s time to distribute them to stores and supermarkets. The main factor to ensure clementine freshness is to store them in temperatures between 27ºF (-2ºC) and 41ºF (5ºC).

At the store, clementines are usually placed in displays to be selected for purchase. Some shoppers prefer to check for blemishes and deformities, while others look for the ripest specimens.

Eating a Clementine

Having made it all the way from the tree to the dinner plate, it’s time to enjoy your delicious clementine! Here’s how to get the most out of eating this seasonal citrus treat.

The first step is to remove the peel. Start at the base of the clementine, near the stem, and roll it counter-clockwise between your fingers, peeling off the skin. Depending on the variety and ripeness, clementine peels may be more or less difficult to remove, so you may need a small knife or scissors to help with stubborn areas.

Once the clementine is peeled, you can use it in a variety of dishes. Many enjoy it as a snack on its own, but it is also great in salads, juice blends, tarts, baking, and even cocktails. For a more savory dish, clementine segments can be used as a topping for grilled meats or in an Asian-style hot and sour soup.

Clementines can also be cooked or made into preserves or jellies. When cooking, use a light syrup or water and add sweeteners, such as honey or agave nectar, to bring out the flavor. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until the clementine is cooked through, then turn off the heat and let the clementine do the rest.

Conclusion

Clementines have a long and interesting journey from the tree to the dinner plate, but it’s one worth remembering. With its sweet, tangy flavor and easy to remove skin, clementines are a great addition to salads, juices, cocktails, desserts, and more. So next time you’re enjoying a clementine, take a moment to think of the hard work and care it took to make its journey complete.