Many people ask what clementine is. Today we will not only try to answer this question, but also talk about the properties and calorie content of this fruit.
What is clementine?
Clementine is considered a hybrid of mandarin and orange. The name this fruit received from the breeder and priest in one person Clement. In the first, he brought this fruit at the beginning of the 20th century in Algeria.
Externally, clementine is practically no different from mandarin. The only difference is that the first has a more saturated orange color. As for the taste, clementine is a fruit with the most pronounced sweet taste and bright aroma.
Where does clementine grow?
This hybrid grows on tall trees with a dense crown (up to 5-6 meters) in the Mediterranean countries: in Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Italy, Turkey. Due to the persistent and very pleasant aroma, its leaves are often added to tea. They have an oblong shape, pointed at the ends. There are small thorns near the branches.
What is clementine and how does it differ from mandarins? Compared with the latter, clementine is more resistant to frost and gives a harvest much earlier. The peel of this fruit is very thin, tightly attached to the pulp. As a rule, clementine appears on store shelves in Russia in October-February, and is most in demand on New Year's holidays.
Types of Clementine
The following types of fruit are distinguished:
- Corsican This type of orange is considered royal. In such fruits, seeds are completely absent, and they have a brighter flavor than all other tangerines. Corsican clementines appear on the markets of our country in November-February and are distinguished by their rich red color. The main distinguishing feature is the sale of fruits on a branch with leaves.
- Spanish. This hybrid has approximately 10 seeds. It can be both large and small. Spanish clementines have their subspecies.
- Montreal Clementines of this species are bred very rarely, usually in Algeria or Spain. The fruit is medium in size, has the largest number of seeds compared to the first two species. Montreal clementine was imported to Russia in the month of October.
Calorie Clementine
We have already examined what clementine is. Now let's talk about what useful properties it has, what is its calorie content.
So, this hybrid is so rich in vitamins (C, E and group B) and trace elements (zinc, manganese, selenium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, copper) that a long-term intake of one or another number of fruits can almost completely replenish your body with the substances necessary for life.
It's no secret that mandarins are considered one of the lowest calorie fruits . Clementines also apply to them. They contain no more than 48 calories. Therefore, these fruits are often consumed during diets or to maintain tone.
Beneficial features
Due to the content of useful microelements and vitamins, clementines are recommended for those who have problems with digestion and the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, this fruit is used to improve metabolism in the body, strengthen the immune system, and also to increase appetite.
Like any kind of mandarin oranges, clementines contribute to the renewal of hair and skin. It is worth noting that citrus fruits of this kind improve visual acuity, and freshly squeezed juice from them helps to prevent colds (acute respiratory infections and flu).
Often, essential oil of clementine is used as one of the most effective remedies for depression and insomnia. In addition, it is used in cosmetology. The oil of this fruit helps to get rid of warts, cellulite, acne, scars and stretch marks, allows you to keep your skin younger.
Contraindications Clementine
Like tangerines (almost all of their varieties), clementine has many useful properties, but it can also be harmful to human health. Let's look at these cases.
First of all, everyone should understand that citrus fruits cannot be consumed in large quantities. Otherwise, there is a high probability of allergic reactions. It is also worth careful to use them for those who suffer from gastritis, enteritis, nephritis, cholecystitis, stomach ulcers and colitis. They need to be eaten only in the amount that the doctor recommends.
In addition, all lovers of aromatic oils need to know: after using clementine oil as a moisturizer for the skin, in no case should you sunbathe for 1 hour. This is because the oil is phototoxic. And caution to this tool should be taken by expectant mothers (especially the first three months of pregnancy).
What dishes can be prepared from clementine?
Clementine is a fruit that can be added to almost any pastry, desserts, some salads, as well as snacks. Let us give an example of the dish “Clementine Salad with Chocolate”, the main ingredient of which is this fruit.
For its preparation you will need: a handful of almond flakes, 5-6 tbsp. tablespoons of sugar, 100 gr. dark chocolate (black or milk - for everybody), 8 pieces of clementines, fresh mint, 4-5 tbsp. tablespoons of water, a little vanilla.
Peel the citrus fruits, remove the seeds and cut the fruits across. Slice the mint leaves, chop the almonds. Arrange the chopped clementines on several plates and sprinkle with mint and nuts on top. After that, bring the water to a boil, pour sugar and vanilla into it. Boil a little to make syrup. We will spray them with fruits laid on plates. It remains to sprinkle with chocolate on top. This salad is very healthy and tasty, your family will definitely like it.
What drinks can be made from clementines?
Often, a hybrid of mandarin and orange is used for liquor. The name of this drink may be different, but the recipe is almost the same.
In order to make a quick liquor from clementines, stock up on products such as clementines (about 1 kg), vodka or moonshine (500 ml), sugar (300 gr).
Rinse the fruits, dry and cut into slices, without peeling them. Place the chopped clementines in a glass jar, add vodka to it and close with a plastic lid. Liquor must be infused for at least two days in a dark place at room temperature. After it is infused, add sugar, put on a slow fire, bring to a boil, boil for 7-8 minutes, systematically removing the foam. Cool the liquor and strain it through a very fine strainer or cheesecloth. Then bottle and refrigerate.
What is clementine? This is a godsend for the housewives! It turns out that this fruit is not only healthy, but also very tasty. From it you can prepare wonderful dishes and drinks.