Professional paper

Nutritional value of mandarin oranges (Citrus reticulata Blanco, Citrus nobilis Lour)

Dubravka Ferenčić ; Veleučilište Rijeka, Poljoprivredni odjel Poreč
David Gluhić orcid.org/0000-0002-4507-6012
Slavica Dudaš ; Veleučilište Rijeka, Poljoprivredni odjel Poreč

Abstract

Mandarins or tangerines (Latin Citrus reticulata Blanco, Citrus nobilis Lour) are evergreen trees that can grow to a mature height of about 2 to 3 m. They belong to the rue family (Reticulata) within the genus
Citrus. The plant originates from China and was named after the term for bureaucrats of Imperial China called mandarins who often gifted this fruit as a sign of respect. In the Mediterranean part of Europe mandarins were first cultivated in the mid 19th century, and in Croatian coastal areas in the early 20th century. They thrive in subtropical regions because they are particularly sensitive to low temperatures. In Croatia, they are predominantly grown in the Neretva valley. In addition to microclimate and environment that enables their growth, their excellent fertility is attributed to the alluvial area where orchards of high-quality Japanese Unshiu varieties of mandarins are raised. Mandarin is considered a winter (seasonal) fruit. As such, it is highly valued for its nutritional and antioxidant properties. The share of vitamin C in 100 grams of fresh fleshy part of mandarin amounts to 26.7 mg. Such high quantity meets 80% of the required daily intake recommended for vitamin C. Vitamin C, i.e. ascorbic acid, acts as a hydrogen donor involved in numerous biological processes as a reducing agent. Its antioxidant properties prevent the transition of stable free radicals into unstable radicals that cause damage to proteins and DNA. Among other things, it strengthens the immune system and is required for the synthesis of collagen, carnitine and fatty acids.

Keywords

tangerines; nutritional value; vitamins; minerals; essential oil

Hrčak ID:

162239

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/162239

Publication date:

21.4.2016.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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