Image by sonictk via Flickr
Clementines are one of the most prized citrus fruits.
Legends say that this hybrid of the tangerine and orange was found by the children in an orphanage overseen by a priest named Father Clement. The Algerian orphanage had citrus trees, and one of the trees spontaneously sprouted this combination fruit. The children tasted it and loved the sweet, rich flavor and brought it to Father Clement. He started actively cultivating the fruit which was later named the Clementine after him.
Historians say that actually the Clementine is a variation of the Mandarin orange and has been grown in Asia for many thousands of years. No matter what the origin of the Clementine is, this sweet exotic citrus fruit is a real treat.
Clementines are usually available in the US starting in November and ending in January. Sometimes Clementines are referred to as “Christmas oranges” because these are the citrus fruits most often given as holiday gifts. Clementines are great to snack on by themselves, but you can also use Clementines to make some exotic treats that are wonderful for holiday parties, gifts, or just for you and your family to enjoy.
A fun treat that you can make with clementines is Clementine bon bons. To make this treat you just need some chocolate chips and shredded coconut. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler until it’s thick but wholly melted. Pour the melted chocolate in a bowl and place another bowl of the shredded coconut next to it. At the end of the row put a cookie sheet covered in wax paper. Dip a segment of a Clementine into the chocolate, then into the coconut, and then place it on the cookie sheet. When you’re all finished put the sheet into the fridge and when the chocolate hardens you have a sweet citrus treat to enjoy. Because these bon bons are so easy to make they are a wonderful cooking project to do with your kids.
Clementines can also be made into delicious jams, chutneys, marmalades and other preserves. Clementine juice can be used when cooking poultry to give the meat a sweet citrus flavor that many people enjoy. Clementines, or clementine orange, make wonderful desserts too. You can use Clementine segments to top off cakes or cupcakes. You can also use Clementine juice instead of water in cakes, cookies, and breads to give baked goods a sweet orange taste.
Baking holiday cookies and breads with Clementine juice instead of water will set your holiday baked goods apart from the other traditional baked goods that are so prevalent during holiday time.
Related articles
- Health Tip: Wash Clementines Before Eating Them (fitsugar.com)
- Why Clementines Should Be a Staple on Your Shopping List (fitsugar.com)
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