Satsuma Tangerines
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Satsuma mandarins are medium to large-sized citrus fruits shaped like flattened spheres. They measure between 6 and 10 centimeters wide and 2 to 3 centimeters tall. When ripe, Satsuma mandarins have an orange-red, somewhat leathery peel with prominent oil glands. The loose-fitting rind is full of volatile oils, which release a bright citrus aroma. The dark orange flesh is firm, extremely juicy, and has few to no seeds. They are considered the sweetest of all the citrus varieties though they do offer some acidity. In Japan, Satsuma growers will keep fruit in storage before it is sent to market, a process which reduces acid content, creating a better balance of sugar and tartness. Satsumas need to be handled with care; their loosely attached skins will bruise easily under slight pressure, which will affect the quality of the flesh.
Seasons/Availability
Satsuma mandarins are available in the early fall through winter months.
Current Facts
Satsuma mandarins, sometimes referred to as tangerines, are a variety of citrus that dates back to the 14th century. Botanically, they are members of Citrus reticulata, though they were first classified as Citrus unshiu by Japanese botanist Tyôzaburô Tanaka. In Japan, Satsuma mandarins are known as Unshû mikan and are characterized by their cold hardiness and early season harvest. Satsuma's nomenclature is said to have originated in 1878 when the wife of America’s then Minister to Japan, General Van Valkenberg, sent Unshu mikan trees from Japan to Florida in boxes labeled of its origin, Satsuma, Japan. There are hundreds of named cultivars of Satsuma mandarin, like the Miyagawa, Owari, Miho and Seto, each with differing maturity dates, size, color and quality.
