Mandarin

Mandarin (lat. Cītrus reticulāta) is a small evergreen tree, a species of the genus Citrus of the Rutaceae family. The word "Mandarin", in the Portuguese "mandarim" means "Chinese officer". 

Mandarin orange is the most cultivated citrus fruit in China, tropical Asia, India, Korea, Japan, the Mediterranean, and in the United States. A hardy Japanese species of mandarin orange called unshiu is grown in Georgia which is a major exporter of mandarins to Armenia ,Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan.

Mandarin orange fruits are small (4 to 8 cm). Their color is orange, orange-yellow or orange-red. Their shape is spherical or oblate (flattened at the poles). The skin is thin and peels off easily. Their easiness to peel is an important advantage of mandarin oranges over other citrus fruits that all are more difficult to peel. Just like with other citrus fruits, the endocarp (inner flesh) is separated into segments, which in their turn consist of a large number of elongated cells. The fruits may be seedless or contain a small number of seeds.

Mandarin orange fruits are sweet to taste. They can be eaten as whole or squeezed to make juice. They can also be dried. The fresh fruit is also used in salads, desserts and main dishes. The peel can be used as a spice for cooking, baking, drinks, or candy.

The fruits contain a large amount of sugar (up to 10.5%), 85% water, vitamins C, B1, B2, provitamin A, free organic acids, phytoncides , lectins, and mineral salts. The vitamin C in mandarin oranges is perfectly preserved in long-term storage. Since mandarin oranges ripen in November–December, they can be a source of vitamins during the winter for people living in the Northern Hemisphere.

During Chinese New Year, mandarins are considered traditional symbols of abundance and good fortune. They are frequently displayed as decoration and presented as gifts to friends, relatives, and business associates.