My Darling, Clementine
Image via Unsplash, @alexandermils
Clementines have really gained in popularity over the last five years as being a snack of choice for many. And why not? They are hand-sized, portable, healthy and delicious! This vitamin packed fruit is actually a hybrid between a mandarin orange and a sweet orange. Sweet little Clementines were introduced onto the world’s stage in 1902 when Brother Clement Rodier noticed that accidental hybridization had occurred in the garden of his orphanage in Misserghin, Algeria. He worked with the orphanage’s citrus trees and noticed an uncultivated tree on the edges of the garden. Thorns had grown up around it and it looked rather neglected. He made grafts from this tree and in short, the clementine was born! The orphans named the fruit after the good Brother which are actually, neither an orange nor a mandarin. Another story is linked to this winter fruit’s origins and that is that Clementines were first discovered in China much earlier than when the good Brother founded his. Quite frankly, both stories are true giving this little fruit an air of mystery along with its happy countenance.
Clementines are very similar to tangerines with an easy to peel skin. The fruit of the clementine is red in color placing it in the blood citrus family. It bursts with sweet, juicy taste and is extremely tender. If you are growing this delectable citrus, it should be seedless. If it isn’t that means cross-pollination has occurred. Though this citrus can be found in the stores year-round, Clementines join the winter citrus lineup as being a very healthy fruit to help us build our antibodies and guard against winter illnesses. All good things come from these little powerhouses. They are one of the “superfoods” offering a mountain of taste and wellness all packaged into a sweet little bundle of love. Clementines are jammed full with vitamins! Did you know that 59% of the clementine is Vitamin C? This little citrus is probably the most popular of the winter citrus family. They are cute, tasty and healthy for you, too! Plus, they make you feel all sunny inside during the long cold months of winter.
To celebrate the darling Clementine, we have created a special craft soda including this fruit and its taste sensation combined with the mellow, tropical tones of pineapple to offer our customers a blend like no other. Come taste the hope of the warm and sunny months to come in one large glass of pure heaven. Add a little sunshine to your stormy day and a little Clementine to make you smile. This citrus will surely brighten your day, your health, and your mood as no other food possibly can!