Clementine Oranges: Delicious and Nutritious Snacks for Everyone
When most people think of citrus fruits, images of Navel oranges, Ruby Red grapefruits, lemons and limes come to mind. That said, there is a certain small and delicious fruit that is sure to please just about any citrus lover: Clementine oranges.
Clementines are sweet source of Vitamin C. They are orange in color, medium in size and readily found in supermarkets during the months between October and January, when they are in peak season. Children who do not like oranges because of the tartness of their flesh will usually like clementines, which are a fair bit sweeter.
A hybrid of tangerine and Seville orange, clementines were developed in the year 1902 by Father Clement Rodier, a French missionary who lived in Algeria. When they first gained popularity as they spread from country to country, clementines were often referred to as “zipper oranges” and “kid glove oranges” because a lady could peel them while wearing kid gloves.
When they are in season, clementines are also one of the most affordable fruits in the produce aisle, which is one of the reasons so many people give them out during the holidays. From hostess gifts to Thanksgiving Day offerings, clementines are always welcome presents.
Fruit gift baskets featuring Clementine oranges are surging in popularity, as they are unique gifts that can be customized to each individual recipient. Common items to go along with clementines in the baskets include citrus scented soaps, shampoos and bath salts, as well as other actual citrus fruits.
Another reason why clementines are great to put in gift baskets is because they are one of the most versatile fruits on the market today. After the Clementine oranges have been eaten, the peels can be used to infuse citrus flavor into olive oil for salad dressing. The peels of clementines can also be used in bathwater, put in a container of brown sugar to keep it from getting hard and even as a substitute for paper as kindling in a fire.
Because the natural oils that are found in the peels of clementines are strongly scented, they can even be used to make homemade potpourri. When mixed with cloves and water, then simmered on a stove, the aroma will fill an entire house with a warm and inviting scent.
Taste the Sunshine with Hale Groves
At Hale Groves, we believe the best gifts come from the land, not a factory. For generations, our fruit has been grown slowly under the Florida sun, picked at its peak, and delivered fresh to your door. From sweet Navel Oranges to rare Honeybells, every gift shares the simple joy of real flavor—perfect for holidays, milestones, or everyday moments worth celebrating.
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