Clementine, a typical Algerian fruit

The clementine was born in Algeria around 1920, and it owes its name to the director of an orphanage in the region of Oran, Father Clément, who would have had the idea of crossing a mandarin tree with a sweet orange. The fruit thus created being a hybrid whose multiplication is obtained by grafting, this explains why the clementine is almost devoid of seeds. This Jesuit’s idea was brilliant, because the clementine now supplants the mandarin in popularity because it is easier to peel, less acidic and its seedless flesh makes it a favorite in school snacks. It is mainly cultivated in Morocco, Algeria and Spain. Corsica does not export much of its production, but it takes it very seriously, even having a section reserved for the cultivation of different varieties at its Institute of Agronomic Research.

The clementine, baptized in 1902

Resulting from the natural crossing of a mandarin flower and orange tree pollen, the fruit is baptized “Clementine” by the horticultural society of Algiers in honor of its creator.

Brother Clément is buried in Misserghin near Oran, in Algeria | Credit: Arn

The fruit, thanks to its sweet flavor, its seedless flesh and its long marketing period, became popular very quickly on the Mediterranean coasts (Spain, Morocco, Italy, etc.).

The clementine, French since 1925

Corsica began to cultivate clementines in 1925. But it was not until the 1970s that the small citrus began to fill market stalls.

The characteristics of clementine

Although its parents are both endowed with non-sexual reproduction (polyembryony), the clementine tree produces seeds with only one embryo, the one resulting from fertilization. As his parents are also genetically diverse, he is a unique combination of the two parents that is unlikely to reproduce.

Therefore the only way to preserve the clementine tree and to multiply it, is the practice of grafting or another horticultural technique (cuttings and layering).

Seedlings would give hybrids far removed from the original variety (hybrids with mandarin trees for example)8. All clementines are therefore clones, but the appearance and selection of mutations have made it possible to obtain new varieties.

Pure clementine orchards (without the presence of other citrus fruits in the vicinity) produce seedless fruits (it is a self-incompatible hybrid, in other words self-sterile)8.

Even if its flesh is less fragrant, the clementine is increasingly taking the place of the mandarin due to its lack of seeds and easier peeling.

Clementine cultivation

Clementine is mainly grown in Algeria, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Italy. In France, Corsica contributes 98% of national production, the latter coming mainly from the region of the eastern plain (Aleria, Antisanti, Ghisonaccia), under the Protected Geographical Indication (IGP) label.

The clementine in gastronomy

Clementine adds very well to tuna and chicken salads, in conjunction with almonds or pistachios and watercress. It can be included at the last minute in an Asian-style vegetable stir-fry, the important thing being not to heat it to preserve its water-soluble vitamins. It will be the star of a fruit salad with pomegranate seeds and bananas, while marinated in a little alcohol and sugar with spices, it will become a refined and quick dessert for adults… You can also grate its thin skin and use it to enhance the flavor of a pasta dish or stew, just as you would an orange or lemon twist. A clementine is smaller than a tangerine. The taste of a clementine is excellent. By nature of small size, this fruit is extremely popular among children and adults.

First illustration of the clementine in 1902

Clementine nutritional information

The clementine, a fruit that has peach:

The clementine is the star citrus fruit of winter. Its delicious quarters give us energy and protect us. The vitamin C it abounds in helps us fight colds and other winter infections.

Clementine, to fight against fatigue : Two clementines can cover about half of the daily vitamin C needs. This vitamin is very useful in winter, because it contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system, which is put to use with seasonal viruses. Clementine also contains a little zinc and copper which also strengthen the immune system.

Clementine, an anti-cramp citrus fruit : Potassium and magnesium are two minerals that are involved in the muscles. In case of deficiency, cramps can occur, especially during physical activity. Four clementines will provide 16% of the daily potassium requirement and 8% of the daily magnesium requirement.

Clementine, to fill up with minerals : This small citrus fruit is full of many minerals: above all potassium, good for muscles, nerves and kidneys, but also calcium essential for good bone health. In lesser proportion, it also contains magnesium, anti-stress, and iron necessary for red blood cells.

Clementine, an anti-aging fruit : This citrus fruit also contains carotenoids, precursors of vitamin A, which limit the premature aging of body cells by neutralizing free radicals, just like vitamin E, which is also present in the fruit.

Translated from : https://topdestinationsalgerie.com/la-clementine-un-fruit-typiquement-algerien/