Well, readers, it’s a new year, and that means some changes. First of all, expect this blog to be updated a lot more than usual. I hope to give you all a new and improved Nutrition Noir, which keeps food and nutrition information simple and sexy one post at a time a lot more often. Secondly, I hope to bring some new post “series” to the blog, and continuing some as well. To start, we are going to do an all new fruit spotlight. This month: clementines.
Clementines are one of my favorite fruits. I could, and do, eat these little orange gems like they are candy (as a matter of fact, this was the first fruit that I fed to my son that wasn’t in “babyfood” form, and he loves them, too). They are sweet, just like candy, but they aren’t as damaging as candy. I like to call these little babies one of “nature’s candies” because they can be just as addicting. And trust me, if you have a sweet tooth, these might be the fruit for you.
So what, exactly, is a clementine?
Clementines are a part of the citrus family. They look like little infant oranges, but pack a lot more sweetness. You can find them in almost any grocery store, especially around the winter months. They are in season during the winter (December, January, and February), as many citrus fruits are.
How do I select a good clementine?
Because these little bundles of joy are sold in bulk (most of the time in crates or bags), it may be a little hard to select a really good one until you get home. However, you are looking for those that are uniform in color (they should be orange all the way around). Blemishes, bruises, or wrinkles are indications of a bad baby orange. They should also be on the soft side (these ones are usually the sweetest and juiciest).
How do I keep clementines?
Clementines are fairly easy to keep at home. If you plan on using these little babies within 2 to 3 days of purchase, then storing them at room temperature on the kitchen counter is fine. However, if you plan on savoring the flavor of these jewels for longer than 2 to 3 days, store them in the refrigerator in the crisper drawer along with the rest of your fruits and vegetables that require refrigeration.
So, yea, they’re sweet. But are clementines good for you?
Clementines are great for you. As with most citrus fruits, they are low in sodium, and are a very good source of vitamin C. These little cuties are also a good source of potassium, thiamine (a B vitamin), folate (another B vitamin), and soluble fiber.
Besides eating them raw, how can I enjoy a clementine?
Well, eating them raw and untamed is the best way to me. But for a different spin on this miniature beauty, eat them in salads, in salsas, or on top of your breakfast oatmeal. You can also use them in parfaits as well. Surprisingly, clementines and other citrus fruits give a nice, bright partnership to seafood and meats. You can try juicing them, using the zest, and sauteeing them and serving them over seafood or meat. However you choose to use or enjoy them, be sure to wash them thoroughly to prevent the not so good dirt and bacteria from invading the sweet, precious flesh of these orange beauties.
Here’s a really great website to get more information (and some great recipes) on clementines, and other fruits and vegetables:
www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org
I hope you enjoyed this little tidbit on a little fruit with a big taste. Place the spotlight on this fruit by adding clementine to you and your family’s diet. Until next time!
Nutrition Noir: making food and nutrition information simple and sexy, one post at a time.
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