Clementine Oranges Are a Taste of the Old World

The exotic, beautifully sweet and seedless hybrid orange commonly called the Clementine has a long–at times even controversial–history.

The Early Beginnings of A Rare Citrus Fruit

Sometimes good things come from happy accidents. The Clementine orange, a hybrid of the Mandarin and sweet orange varieties, was created more than 100 years ago in the sun-drenched African nation of Algeria. At the time a French colony, the French cleric Clement Rodier bred them in his church garden, first crossing the parent seeds by accident. Today his first name is the basis for its name in the United States.

The Clementine orange’s popularity spread throughout the Old World like wildfire. Known in Africa and Europe as the Algerian tangerine, it’s also called the Santra in India. They are harvested in the winter months, so their appearance in the markets of Paris and other parts of France was commonly a cause for celebration and a Christmastime tradition. Today they’re known as “Christmas Oranges” in many parts of the world.

The Clementine’s American Debut

The Clementine’s first appearance in America actually came about in reaction to a catastrophe. In 1997 a severe frost decimated most of Florida’s orange crop. In response, citrus fruit growers in California began growing the then little-known Orange as an attempt to compensate for the shortage in domestic production.

Giving Clementines as Gifts

Maybe you’ve seen the Clementine orange on shelves or in their net bags. They’re sold in quantities of 12, 18 or 24; sometimes with the name “cuties” or “sweeties,” in sturdy cardboard boxes. But if you’re giving clementine oranges as rich citrus fruit gifts, you’re probably planning something more decorative. They’re available in a broad selection of decorative gift baskets and gift cases, with more than just Christmas decorative motifs. They’re also available through January, too, so they’re an ideal gift for wintertime birthdays and anniversaries.

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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