Mandarins are not top of everyone’s shopping list in mid-summer as there are so many other fruits to buy. However, they are still a lovely fruit to eat: great for snacks, picnics and lunch boxes and a worthy inclusion in any fruit bowl.
In early summer the choice has mainly been of South African Clemenules and Nova which are both excellent varieties when at their best. There has also been a good supply of delicious satsumas, latterly Owari from Peru, which have been sumptuously sweet and succulent. However, early August marks a change over to later season varieties and with any change over, there are noticeable quality differences.
The later varieties are Nadorcott, Tangold and Orri, all from either Peru or South Africa. Initially, these will have a slight tang, but will soon settle into lovely fruit with a rich depth of flavour. The first Peruvian Tangold and Nadorcott (seen in Tesco) and South African Orri (in M&S) have already started to appear, and they will become more widespread during August.
In the meantime, be aware that Clemenules in particular will continue to be sold, and, though still sweet, will become less flavoursome as the acids diminish. Owari satsumas will be affected in the same way and will disappear shortly until the start of the Spanish season in September.
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