Clementine is one of the varieties of Citrus reticulate (Mandarin orange) which was named in 1902. It is a hybrid of sweet orange and sweet orange. It has deep orange skin with glossy and smooth appearance. Clementine contains seven to fourteen segments inside the skin. It is very easy to peel and they are mostly seedless. Due to this reason, sometimes it is called seedless tangerines. Occasionally it is known as Algerian tangerine. Usually they are sweet and juicy having less acid in comparison to oranges. The oil contains limonene, linalool, myrcene, α-pinene and various complex aromatics. Usually Clementine is seedless. The fruit are deeper orange having rounded shape. It has loose skin which makes it easy to peel. It provides juicy, sweet taste with spicy aroma. The plant does well in warmer locations of lower foothills between 400 and 800 feet. It possesses small and narrow leaves that resemble willowleaf mandarins.

It was introduced in 1914 to California though it was cultivated as early as 1909 at Citrus Research Center at University of California. Clementine is usually cultivated in Algeria, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Morocco, Israel, Italy, Turkey and Lebanon. The market was recently created because the harsh 1997 winter devastated the production of domestic oranges in Florida that increase price and lowered availability.

Clementine provides ample amounts of Vitamin C that assist in fortification of immune system and eliminate host of infections as well as fatal diseases. It is a great source of antioxidants such as linalool, limonene, terpineol, pinene and myrcene which fights with harmful effects of free radicals. It provides favorable effects on circulatory system and heart health. The potassium content assist in normalizing irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrhythmia and lowers the chances of stroke. Moreover, this fruit is widely known for its ability to prevent cancer. The presence of bioactive molecules such as quercitin and limonoids helps to prevent the chances of cancer. Besides this, Clementine is useful to maintain digestive health. It promotes nutrition absorption of body and lower digestive problems such as constipation.

History

According to the sources Clementine existed due to accidental hybridization. It was discovered by Brother Clement Rodier in the garden of his orphanage in Algeria, Misserghin. It is believed to be originated much earlier in China. A source considers it as a nearly identical to Canton mandarin which is grown widely in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces in China. Clementine is not easy to differentiate from mandarin oranges varieties. It should not be confused with Satsuma or honey sweet orange and other popular varieties.

Health benefits of Clementine

Clementine provides relief from digestive problems, strengthen immune system, better cardiovascular health and balance electrolytes in the body. It is enriched with nutrients that assist to build strong bones and supports relaxation and contraction of muscles. The presence of bioactive molecules provides anti-cancer properties which contribute in proper brain function. Clementine has high content of phosphorus and calcium. It contains essential minerals which help to strengthen bones and influence contraction of muscles. The high content of folate promotes brain function and prevents the commencement of stress and depression. In pregnant women, diet rich in folate helps to prevent the chances of birth defects in infants.

1. High content of Vitamin C

Clementine is a great source of Vitamin C which should be taken externally because the body could not produce it. The daily intake of Clementine provides vitamin C to the body by preventing the chances of various ailments such as hardening of arteries and high blood pressure. Moreover, it helps to promote immune system and counteract cardiovascular problems. It makes the immune system strong so that body would be able to counteract viruses which are the cause for fatal diseases and promotes disease resistant body. An antioxidants found in the fruit protects body from harmful bodies and assist to release energy during metabolism process.

2. Helps to lose weight

Clementine discards extra pounds as it possesses low content of calories and fats. In addition, being succulent, it makes the stomach full and assists to lower excessive weight. Vitamin C in Clementine helps to burn fat as well as calories. Add this acid fruit to the diet to maintain fat level and obtain slim and fit body with normal waist. Obesity results to various health problems such as arthritis, high blood pressure, cholesterol and others. With the regular consumption of Clementines, one could lose those extra pounds.

3. Skin health

Clementine is beneficial for skin health due to the high presence of Vitamin C. The studies show that Vitamin C plays a major role in collagen formation which is a structural component essential for maintaining healthy skin. Clementine possesses antioxidant properties which prevents skin damage caused by UV rays. It assists in revitalization of aging skin. In addition, it lowers formation of wrinkles, maintains skin healthy and repairs damaged skin. It lowers the appearance of wrinkles by making the skin youthful. Not only from outside, it repairs damaged skin from within.

4. Stress reliever

Clementine possesses deep aromatic smell which helps to provoke neurotransmitter within the brain that provides relief from stress. The secretion of substances relaxes the mind and makes it feel refreshed. The smell of the fruit provides the feeling of rejuvenation which makes the mind refreshed and makes the body calm down.

5. Digestive health

Being a great source of fiber, Clementine adds bulk to stool and simplify digestion and prevents the chances of constipation. The content of fiber supports better nutrient absorption from food by slowing down the process of digestion. In addition, the content of potassium found in Clementine helps to normalize relaxation and contraction of muscles that stimulates proper food movement as well as waste from specific routes. Fiber slows digestion process so the body requires some time to absorb minerals and vitamins from food.

6. Prevent cardiovascular problems

Clementine is beneficial for heart health due to the presence of mineral potassium. Potassium rich diet helps to normalize irregular heart beat and cardiac arrhythmia and also supports healthy blood pressure levels with the prevention of hypertension. It also lowers the chances of fatal problems such as stroke.

7. Balance electrolyte

Clementine helps to balance electrolytes in the body due to the presence of potassium. Being rich in potassium, it assists to maintain natural water balance between body fluids and cells which is vital for healthy functioning of entire system.

8. Prevent cancer

Clementine helps to counteract cancer which is possible due to the presence of anti-cancer properties such as Vitamin C as well as powerful bioactive molecules such as quercetin and limonoids. It also possesses pectin which helps to protect body from multiple cancer development. It prevents disruption of cells caused by free radicals.

9. Prevent Gestational Diabetic

Pregnant mother suffers from gestational diabetic which is harmful and could threaten health and baby improvement inside womb. For the prevention of this condition, consume Clementine at the time of pregnancy. Due to low level of natural sugar, it is recommended for the pregnant mothers to consume it.

10. Supports vision

Eye problems have become a common problem nowadays. Clementine has high content of beta carotene and ascorbic acid which assist vision health. This assist in enhancement of vision. The daily consumption of Clementine helps to prevent the chances of loss of vision. Loss of vision and other eye associated problems increase with age. It could be controlled with the consumption of this fruit. It also possesses folic acid which is essential for the body to produce RBC that prevents the chances of anemia.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• It might cause allergic reactions with mild to severe symptoms.
• Allergic reactions such as mouth ulcers, atopic dermatitis, tingling sensation inside mouth area, inner side of cheeks and lesions on lips or tongue might be experienced.
• Some people might experience swelling or itching in throat and digestive problems such as cramps and nausea after its consumption.
• People who are known to citrus allergy should avoid it.

How to Eat         

• Fruits are cooked in cakes, puddings and confectionery.
• Consume it plain or add it to fruit salads.
• Add Clementine segments to yogurt, oatmeal and other breakfast cereals.
• It could be added to ice creams, creams, sauces, flans and cocktails.
• Prepare a juice from the pulp.

Other Facts        

• Sometimes it is known as Algerian tangerine.
• Spain is considered to be the largest producer of Clementine in the world.
• Normally they are seedless but sometimes bees cross pollinate them with other fruits which result them having some seeds.

References:

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=244327&isprofile=0&

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clementine

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/clementines.html

http://www.fruitsinfo.com/clementines.htm

https://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-facts-about-clementines.html

https://woman.thenest.com/benefits-clementines-1820.html

https://plants.usda.gov/java/ClassificationServlet?source=display&classid=CITRU2

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