7 ways to choose sweet and ripe mandarins

**7 ways to choose sweet and ripe mandarins**

In the past, most of us considered the mandarin solely as a delicacy for the New Year's table and looked forward to the winter holidays with impatience. Now, these bright orange spheres go on sale almost as early as October. There are so many varieties that it dazzles the eyes: large and small, with and without leaves, glossy and dull, spotted, and smooth-skinned citruses are laid out side by side on the counters. Therefore, to take home the most delicious and fragrant fruits, one has to learn all the nuances of choosing mandarins.

**Only certain varieties are seedless**

Different kinds of mandarins, including their hybrid varieties, can be found on store shelves and market stalls. If you want to buy a seedless citrus fruit, ask the seller about its variety or check the price tag or packaging label yourself. If it says "Clementine" or "Satsuma" (Unshiu), there will most likely be no seeds inside the mandarin. The names "Murcott" and "Ponkan," on the other hand, indicate the opposite.

**The size and shape of the mandarin also matter**

It is best to choose medium-sized or smaller mandarins — they are more likely to be sweet. They also have very few seeds. In addition, miniature mandarins often have green twigs, making them look very attractive. Larger citruses are also useful: you can make jam from them at home.

**Pay attention to the stem of the fruit**

Before putting mandarins into your basket, it is advisable to look at the stem area. This part should be neither overly dry nor green. In the first case, the mandarins have most likely been stored for too long, while in the second, they were picked before fully ripening.

**The shape of citrus fruits means a lot**

Before purchasing, pay attention to the shape of the mandarin as well. If its top part is slightly flattened, it is very likely to be ripe and juicy. Another important sign of a delicious mandarin is its aroma. The more fragrant and sharp the smell of the fruit, the better. Mandarins with no smell are most likely not yet ripe or have already spoiled.

**You can tell the taste of the fruit by its color**

It is better to choose bright orange and shiny mandarins. A reddish tint on the skin is a good sign. A dull color, on the other hand, often indicates that the mandarins have stayed in the warehouse for a long time. In most varieties, a greenish or pale skin color, as well as spots on the surface, can mean that the citrus fruits are not yet ripe.

**You can test if a mandarin is ripe by pressing it slightly**

Try pressing the mandarin gently. A ripe fruit will be firm and yield just a little when pressed. Hard ones are most likely still unripe, while very soft ones will turn out to be already starting to spoil. It is best not to take mandarins with wrinkled or rougher skins.

**Sometimes mandarins can be confused with clementines, mandoras, and minneolas**

This picture shows a mandora, not a mandarin. That is the name of a special hybrid of mandarin and orange grown in Cyprus. Although the skin of this citrus is a bit hard, the inside is full of juicy pulp. Also, clementines — another hybrid of mandarin and orange — are often found in stores. They can be easily distinguished by their bright orange skin, as well as round and smooth sides. Minneolas, considered the "child" of a mandarin and a grapefruit, are also bright orange with smooth skin, but their taste is sweet and sour, and they contain seeds inside.