Clementine Dip
Mandarin Oranges: Clementines, Tangerines, and Satsumas
LISA GRENTZ, MS, RDN, CD/LDN, FAND
According to the University of California College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, there are nearly 200 different varieties and hybrids of mandarin oranges. Clementines, tangerines, and satsumas are part of the mandarin orange family. Here are some easy ways to distinguish between these three varieties of seedless citrus fruit.
Clementines are the smallest variety of mandarin orange but offer big taste. This naturally sweet and juicy citrus fruit has a round shape with a flat top and bottom. Clementines have a smooth shiny orange skin that is easy to peel and flesh that effortlessly separates into sections.
Tangerines vary in size from small to medium. This round fruit tends to be firmer with a glossy, reddish-orange, pebbly skin that is thin, but slightly tougher to peel. Tangerines have a sweet and tangy taste.
Satsuma mandarins originated in Japan hundreds of years ago. They have a bright smooth skin that is lightly attached making them very easy to peel. Each satsuma has up to a dozen segments. These segments are bursting with flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
All three of these mandarin orange varieties are nutritious and delicious. They are great for kids to eat by themselves because they are seedless, easy to peel, and have a soft flesh that is easy to chew. In addition to being a convenient snack, mandarin oranges can be added to breakfast smoothies, muffins, and pancakes as well as salads, sides like salsas and dips, and main courses like fish and seafood dishes. Mandarin oranges are also delicious in desserts and compliment sweet flavors such as chocolate, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Clementine Dip
8-ounces cream cheese
½ cup ricotta cheese
2 clementines
1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
Instructions:
Place cheeses in the blender. Zest both clementines before peeling. Add zest (about 2 teaspoons) to the blender. Peel clementines. Discard the peel. Separate clementines into segments and add the segments along with the maple syrup to the blender. Blend until smooth. Cover and refrigerate dip for a couple hours before serving to enhance the flavor. Serve in a bowl surrounded by fresh fruit, pretzel thins, graham crackers, Nilla wafers, or gingerbread.
Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.