The word "mandarin" is thought to come from the Portuguese "mandarim" (meaning "officials"), which in turn comes from the Sanskrit "mantrin", meaning "adviser". There are several speculations as to why the fruit was named after an official (advisor)? One suggests that the Chinese grew mandarin fruit; another suggests that the transfer of meaning was based on colour (the officials wore bright orange clothes).

Mandarins originated in East Asia, in China, Vietnam and Japan, and have been cultivated for more than 3000 years. In these countries, the fruit is considered a symbol of power. There are several species and subspecies, the best known of which are the tangerine (a much older type of mandarin) and the clementine (a hybrid between a mandarin and an orange lemon tree). Mandarins are currently most widespread and cultivated in Egypt, Morocco, Spain, Turkey, Brazil, Italy and Argentina.

The origins of mandarin cultivation in Egypt have not been precisely confirmed. However, some written sources claim that it dates back to the time of Mohamed Ali Pasha. Today, mandarins are one of the fruits closest to Egyptians' hearts and are available to enjoy during the winter season.

Many varieties of this fruit are planted in different regions of the world. Mandarins grown in Egypt are called "Yousfy Balady", which in Lithuanian means "local mandarins". This species is very common in Upper Egypt, especially in the Assiut region. Interestingly, in 2017, Egypt was one of the world's top tangerine-producing countries, with around 1 million tonnes of tangerines produced in that year.

Mandarins have a composition similar to that of many citrus fruits, i.e. they are characterised by their high vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content. They are also rich in pectic substances, glycosides, mineral salts, vitamins D (which protects against rickets), K (which maintains the elasticity of blood cells), B1, B2 and essential oils. The high content of citric acid in the flesh of mandarins prevents the accumulation of nitrates and other harmful components, as harmful substances simply do not coexist with the acid.

Beneficial properties of mandarins

As far as the benefits of mandarins are concerned, the most useful property is their ability to restore the vitamins lost by the body during the autumn and winter.

Tangerines are a good thirst-quencher and provide the body with the right amount of ascorbic acid. It also helps with colds and partially reduces fever. Tangerine is an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and has a positive effect on the bronchial tract and prevents the accumulation of mucus, thanks to the presence of synephrine (phenolic amino acid).

The phytoncidal effect of tangerine helps to fight germs, which is also important in the case of colds, as tangerine peel relieves coughs and improves digestion. This fruit and its juice: are useful in cases of indigestion, diarrhoea and are an excellent remedy for dysentery. It is said to kill some fungi; if the skin or nails are damaged, we recommend rubbing the affected area with tangerine peel and/or juice.

Recently, tangerine consumption has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, protect against atherosclerosis and cholesterol deposition on blood vessel walls. Incidentally, to get the most out of mandarins, health nutritionists recommend eating them together with the white mesh that surrounds the fruit's lobes, which contains glycosides that strengthen the cardiovascular system.

If you have heavy menstrual periods, it is recommended to eat tangerines as they stop bleeding. The benefits of this fruit are particularly necessary for pregnant women. Vitamin C deficiency in the second trimester, what do expectant mothers rush to compensate? With tangerines, of course! However, it should not be forgotten that the consumption of tangerines can cause an allergic reaction in both the mother and the future child, so it is important to stick to the norm in order to avoid such problems.

Up to five (adults) and two (children) tangerines per day is a safe limit. Tincture of tangerine peel (one tangerine peel per glass of boiling water, bring to the boil, cool) will help to prevent toxicosis and relieve attacks of nausea and vomiting. Relaxing massages with tangerine essential oil will protect the skin of expectant mothers and help prevent stretch marks.

The beneficial properties of tangerines are constantly being researched and we should learn how to make the most of this fruit. Tangerines are an excellent antidepressant. Like fresh mandarin juice, its bright orange colour can calm the nervous system and raise the overall tone of the body. The peel of the tangerine is just as useful as the flesh. It is rich in pectic substances, essential oil, organic acids and flavonoids. It is recommended for use in the preparation of candied mandarin fruit and tinctures. However, beware that some growers treat mandarins with chemicals that accumulate in the peel. Like other fruits, mandarins are sometimes rubbed.

Harm of mandarins

Despite their wonderful taste and undeniable benefits, mandarins can also harm people. This citrus fruit is contraindicated for people suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, gastric or duodenal ulcers, and gastritis, where the acidity of the gastric juices is high. Tangerines are highly acidic and irritating to the intestinal and gastric mucosa. In addition, tangerines can damage the kidneys. In cases of hepatitis, nephritis and cholecystitis, tangerines should be avoided completely.

Mandarins are high in sugar and excessive amounts can lead to diabetes, and people who already suffer from this condition are also advised to reduce their consumption.

Another thing that tangerines are bad for is the body's susceptibility to allergic reactions. Any citrus fruit, especially tangerine, is one of the strongest allergens, so if you don't want to harm yourself, try to consume it in moderation. In addition to the tangerine itself, its juice can also cause various adverse reactions in the body.

If you are not worried about the diseases and disorders mentioned above, don't rush to eat all the mandarins you buy, and don't forget about hypovitaminosis, an acute disorder caused by a high dose of vitamins. Don't think that enjoying five kilos of mandarins will provide you with vitamins for five months ahead. On the contrary, instead of benefiting, you will only harm your body and the consequences can include diarrhoea, skin rashes, destruction of red blood cells and loss of haemoglobin.

How do I choose mandarins?

Not only children but also adults need the benefits of the fruit, especially in winter. Mandarins are a must-have in the standard set of fruits bought for the festive table. But how do you choose the right mandarins so you can enjoy them yourself, and also so you can entertain guests with this bright, sunny fruit?

The pleasant taste of mandarins can be predicted by asking about their origin. Moroccan and some Egyptian mandarins, for example, are seedless, very sweet, bright orange in colour, with thin, easily separable skin. Mandarins grown in Turkey have smooth, yellow-green peels that do not separate easily. They are small, have many seeds, are not very sweet or even sour, but the price will be lower. Sweet, flavourful and juicy mandarins are from Spain, but will command a higher price. Spanish mandarins are large, with porous, rather thick, bright orange skin. They also have pits, but not many.

To choose the type of mandarin you like, you should taste a variety of them and look carefully when choosing. Make sure that the peel is intact and free from rotting and blemishes, as over-ripe mandarins do not last long.