What is clementine? Useful properties, calorie content of clementines

Many people ask about what clementine is. Today we not only will try to answer this question, but also we will talk about the properties and caloric content of this fruit.

What is clementine?

Clementine is considered to be a hybrid of mandarin and orange. The name of this fruit was received from the breeder and the priest in one person Clement. In the first he brought this fruit in the early 20th century in Algeria.

Outwardly, clementine is practically the same as mandarin. The only difference is that the former has a more saturated orange color. As for the palatability, clementine is a fruit with the most pronounced sweet taste and bright aroma.

Where does clementine grow?

This hybrid grows on high with dense crown trees (up to 5-6 meters) in the Mediterranean countries: Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Italy, Turkey. Due to the persistent and very pleasant aroma, its leaves are often added to tea. They are oblong in shape, pointed at the ends. Around the branches there are small thorns.

What is clementine and how does it differ from mandarins? Compared to the latter, clementine is more resistant to frosts and yields much earlier. The rind of this fruit is very thin, snug against the flesh. As a rule, on the shelves in Russia clementine appears in October-February, and the greatest demand is enjoyed in the New Year holidays.

Types of Clementine

The following types of fruit are distinguished:

1. Corsican. This kind of orange is considered royal. In such fruits, there are no bones completely, and they have a brighter flavor than all other mandarins. Clementines Corsican appear in the markets of our country in November and February and differ with their rich red color. The main distinctive feature is the sale of fruits on a branch with leaflets.
2. Spanish. This hybrid has about 10 bones. It can be either large or small. The Spanish clementines have their subspecies.
3. The Montreal. Clementines of this species are bred very rarely, usually in Algeria or Spain. Fruit is medium in size, has the largest number of bones in comparison with the first two species. In Russia the Montreal clementine is imported already in October.

Caloric content of clementine

We have already considered what clementine is. Now let's talk about what kind of useful properties it has, what its caloric content is.

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 reception of a number of fruits will almost completely Replenish your body with the necessary substances for life.

It's not a secret that one of the most low-calorie fruits is mandarins. Clementines to them also apply. They contain no more than 48 calories. Therefore, often these fruits are used during diets or to maintain a tone.

Beneficial features

Thanks to the content of useful microelements and vitamins, clementines are recommended for those who have problems with digestion and gastrointestinal tract. In addition, this fruit is used to improve metabolism in the body, strengthen the immune system, as well as to increase appetite.

Like any sort of mandarins, 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 helps prevent catarrhal diseases (acute respiratory disease and influenza).

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 the skin young for longer.

Contraindications to the use of clementine

Like mandarins (almost all of their varieties), clementine has many useful properties, but it can also be harmful to human health. Let us consider these cases.

First of all, everyone should understand that in a lot of citrus fruits can not be used. Otherwise, there is a high probability of allergic reactions. It is also very cautious to use them for those who suffer from gastritis, enteritis, nephritis, cholecystitis, stomach ulcer and colitis. There are only needed in the amount that the doctor will recommend.

In addition, all lovers of aromatic oils need to know: after using clementine oil as a moisturizer for the skin, in no case can it be sunburned for 1 hour. This is because the oil is phototoxic. And with caution to this remedy, it is necessary to treat future mothers (especially in the first three months of pregnancy).

Which dishes can be prepared from clementine?

Clementine is a fruit that can be added to almost any pastry, desserts, some salads, and snacks. Here is an example of a dish called "Clementine Salad with Chocolate", the main ingredient of which is precisely this fruit.

For its preparation you will need: a handful of almond flakes, 5-6 tbsp. Spoons of sugar, 100 gr. Dark chocolate (black or milk - for an amateur), 8 pieces clementine, fresh mint, 4-5 st. Spoons of water, a little vanilla.

Peel the citrus, remove the bones and cut the fruits across. Cut the mint leaves, chop the almonds. Place the cut clementines on several plates and sprinkle mint and nuts on top. After this, bring the water to a boil, pour sugar and vanilla into it. Cook a little to make a syrup. We will sprinkle the fruits on the plates. It remains to top with chocolate. Such a salad is very useful and tasty, it is sure to please your family.

What kind of drinks can be made from clementines?

Often for a liqueur use a hybrid of mandarin and orange. The name of this drink can be different, but the recipe is almost the same.

In order to prepare a quick liqueur from clementines, stock up products such as clementines (about 1 kg), vodka or moonshine (500 ml), sugar (300 g).

Rinse the fruit, dry and slice, without removing the peel from them. Place the cut clementines in a glass jar, add vodka to it and close it with a plastic lid. Liquor should be infused for at least two days in a dark place at room temperature. After he 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 gauze. After that, pour into bottles and put in the refrigerator.

What is clementine? This is a godsend! It turns out that this fruit is not only useful, but also very tasty. From it you can prepare wonderful meals and drinks.