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Satsuma mandarins are a type of mandarin orange with bright, orange-red skin and sweet fruit.
They are related to tangerines, clementines, and tangelos.
The fruit is round or slightly flattened, three to four inches in diameter, with loose, slightly bumpy, and easy-to-peel skin.
Satsuma mandarins are named after Satsuma province in Japan, where they may have originated.
They were introduced to North America in the 18th century and are cultivated in Florida, California, and other Gulf-coast states.
They are in season from November through February.
One of the best ways to enjoy Satsuma mandarins is to simply peel them and snack on the juicy sections of fruit within.
They are great for including in brown bag lunches, especially for kids, due to their easy-to-peel nature.
Satsumas are usually used raw in green salads, fruit salads, and desserts like tarts and custards.
They can also be juiced and used in cocktails, smoothies, and combined with other citrus juices.
The zest of the peel can be used in marinades, sauces, and glazes, and the peel can be simmered in a sugar syrup to make candied peel.
They are also great for home canning.
Satsuma mandarins have a honey-sweet flavor with little acidity.
They are extremely juicy with a moderate balance of sweet and tart, along with a slight note of sweet potatoes.
They are produced by a high concentration of carotenoids, which are also found in sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash.
One large Satsuma mandarin contains 64 calories, 16 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber, 1 gram of protein, and less than half a gram of fat.
It also provides 32 milligrams of vitamin C, which is about 36 percent of the daily value recommended by the USDA.
Satsuma mandarins can be used in various dishes, such as salads, sauces, and desserts.
They can be used in recipes that call for tangerines, clementines, or mandarins.
Satsuma mandarins are available in grocery store produce sections and at farmers' markets during the late fall and winter.
Look for ones with bright color and a sweet fragrance.
Canned mandarin oranges are almost always Satsumas.
Satsuma mandarins should be kept in cool or cold temperatures.
They can be stored at room temperature for a day or two, but for longer storage, keep them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator on the low humidity setting.
They will stay fresh for two to three weeks.