Mandarin Orange

lat. Citrus reticulata

Group: Citrus

Mandarin orange is a juicy citrus fruit also known as mandarin or mandarine. The botanical name for this tropical and sub-tropical plant is Citrus reticulate. Mandarins originate from China, where they have been historically regarded as a symbol of good fortune, having a significant sacral meaning in Chinese New Year celebrations. Today, mandarin orange is cultivated in all countries of the Mediterranean region, as well as in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. They spread throughout Asia in the 10th century, reaching the Europe in the early 19th century and becoming available in the United States in 1882, when six fruits of the 'King' mandarin were sent from Saigon to California.

There are several different varieties of this fruit and some of the most popular ones are the Mandarin (from China), Tangerine (named after Tangier, a city in northern Morocco, where the mandarins were first imported from China), Dancy, Clementine and Satsuma (from Japan). In general, mandarin oranges are much sweeter than their other citrusy relatives, but their flavor varies from sort to sort and may range from very sweet to almost spicy and tart. Mandarin oranges are distinguished by their bright orange skin that peels off easily, and fleshy inner segments full of sugary fruit juice.

This fruit is primarily eaten out-of hand, but it is also suitable as a tasty addition to salads, main dishes and desserts. The essential oil of mandarin orange, extracted from its peel, is very fragrant and rich in flavor, and therefore being used as a flavoring agent in candies, ice cream, chewing gum, carbonated beverages, liqueurs and bakery goods.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the dried peel of this fruit is used to regulate the flow of life-energy, or chi, which is an active principle of all living beings. Old Chinese natural philosophers used the peel to stimulate healthy digestion, treat abdominal problems and reduce phlegm. In Ayurveda, mandarin oranges are used to stimulate appetite, relieve thirst, help to discharge phlegm, and prevent gastro-intestinal disorders.

In traditional Chinese culture, the shape and color of mandarins symbolizes the Sun and connects with the yang principle, the positive and generative force of nature. Therefore, oranges are symbols of New Year and the expected positive changes. A couple of weeks before the New Year, potted plants full of mandarin oranges are offered for sale on the flower markets to make an ideal festive indoor decoration during the holiday season. On Cantonese, mandarin oranges are named “gut,” which can be translated as “the lucky tree.” Following the ancient New Year’s tradition, Chinese people are placing a pair of mandarin oranges, together with red envelopes with money, next to the pillow of every child in the house, in the box with New Year’s treats, and above the family’s rice container. They believe this will bring good fortune to the home and its residents.

Mandarin essential oil is equally valued in perfume manufacturing where it makes great addition to floral compositions and colognes. Mandarin essential oil is distinguished in a fragrant composition by its sensual and floral, neroli-like trail. This uplifting and sensual scent blends nicely with other citrus oils as well as with spice oils such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove. In the terms of aroma, it is very sweet, fruity and citrusy with a light floral undertone. The scent is very relaxing and calming, and suitable for mystical fantasy fragrances. The smell of mandarine orange dominates the top notes in a gourmet floral composition of Viva La Juicy, and plays a main role in citrus aromatic Royall Fragrances Royall Mandarin fragrance for men.

Mandarine is also a prominent note in Guerlain’s citrus-aromatic Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic and floral-oriental fragrance of L`Instant de Guerlain Fleur de Mandarine. Earlier this year, Yves Rocher has issued a special limited edition from Les Plaisirs Nature collection - Mandarine d'Italie. This sparkling fragrance delivers gourmand and tart flavor of mandarin essential from the sunshiny coasts of Italy.