All you need to know about … Imperial Mandarins
We are fortunate in Australia to have a thriving citrus industry with a fantastic range of oranges, mandarins, lemons, limes and other citrus available to enjoy. Mandarins remain a favourite choice amongst Aussie consumers due to their sweet taste and ease of eating. Australia’s most popular mandarin, the Imperial variety, is available in-store now so we decided to take a look at the Imperial and what makes it Australia’s favourite mandarin.
Easy to peel, Imperials have very few seeds and a sweet flavour. They are an early variety, appearing at the start of the mandarin season which runs between April and October. Mandarins in Australia are commonly grown in Queensland and some southern regions, like Mildura, where our mandarins come from. Nutritionally one mandarin contains all of your body’s daily Vitamin C requirements. Mandarins are rich in antioxidants that help maintain brain function and keep bones and joints in top shape as we age. They are the richest fruit source of the antioxidant hesperetin, which protects cells as we age and they are high in folic acid. Mandarins are a great source of dietary fibre and consumption of them can improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. And if you need and energy boost, reach for a mandarin; they are a source of carbohydrate and contain B vitamins for an energy boost making them an ideal replacement for energy drinks.
Citrus Australia’s research on this season’s flavour profile has revealed that dry conditions last year leading into this season’s harvest has led to sweeter, juicier fruit so now is an ideal time to make mandarins a regular addition to your fruit bowl.
