The Mandarin orange is a small, yellow to reddish orange, loose skinned citrus fruit. This traditional Christmas time fruit is characteristically easier to peel and to section than are other varieties of oranges. This delectable citrus fruit grows on a small tree that is characterized by its slender branches and its lance shaped leaves. The season for this fresh fruit usually extends from November to May or June. And you can find numerous varieties of this delectable fruit.

Like other varieties of oranges, mandarin oranges’ most significant nutritional contribution is vitamin C. A 3 ½ ounce serving of canned mandarin oranges contains about 60 calories.

Easy to peel, fresh mandarin oranges are especially suitable for lunch box meals and other pick up snacks. Alone or coupled with a mild cheese, these sweet oranges make a quick and delicious dessert. Also combined fresh mandarin oranges with other fresh and canned fruits for delicious fruit salads, fruit cups, and compotes.

Canned mandarin oranges add a distinctive flavor to a variety of dishes. Perk up an appetizer fruit cup with the bright color and flavor of these miniature oranges. At your next outdoor barbecue, use mandarin oranges and meat cubes for a tasty kabob combination. And do not forget to use this delicious canned fruit in fruit salads, gelatin salads and desserts, ice cream sauces, and compotes.

Try this easy and simple recipe using mandarin oranges for an excellent salad when you are counting your calories:

Mandarin Pear Salad

Ingredients:

1 8-ounce carton yogurt

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons blue cheese, crumbled

5 fresh medium pears, cored, and halved

Leaf lettuce

2 11-ounce cans mandarin orange sections, chilled and drained

In a small mixer bowl, combine the yogurt, the sugar, and 1 tablespoon of the crumbled blue cheese. Beat the dressing mixture with the beater until the mixture is smooth. Sprinkle the dressing with the remaining crumbled blue cheese.

Arrange the pear halves on the lettuce leaves. Fill the centers of the pears with the mandarin orange sections. Pass the blue cheese dressing to drizzle on top and enjoy.

You can use the mandarin orange in any recipe that calls for a regular orange. When selecting fresh mandarin oranges, there are several factors to consider. Avoid a mandarin orange if the skin is detached from the pulp and if it has a blemished skin. This is a sign that the mandarin orange is old or spoiled. And always store the fresh oranges in the refrigerator to make them stay fresh longer.