Fav #3 Clementine Cravings
Written by Corinne Dobbas, MS, RD // January 2, 2010 // Health, Nutrition // 15 Comments
It’s that time of year. Streets are dark by 5 PM, ladies and gents are decked out in hats, gloves, puffy coats, scarves, and mittens, the temperature manages to get into the teens and sometimes feels as if it has hit the single-digit range, hot chocolate and tea are go-to staples, and if I run across the street to the gym in a sweatshirt and shorts (I hate the “winter unbundling process”), I get crazified glances, plus my legs feel slightly numb once they hit the endorphin-enriched air of the gym. Hence, “winter unbundling process” HERE I COME! … sigh…
BUT—there is one fruit that can brighten my day and momentarily, make me believe I have entered a tropical wonder zone—the “I’m so juicy and sweet I betcha I’ll become one of your favs—if I’m not already,” Clementine!
Clementine Origins
The Clementine—a citrus fruit, the smallest of the mandarin orange variety—is a hybrid fruit. It’s a cross between a sweet orange and a Chinese mandarin. The origins of the Clementine are
unclear, but what is known is that this lil’ ball of joy was introduced to the U.S. in 1909, to Florida. Then, in 1914 the Clementine was brought to the Citrus Research Center in Riverside, California where it was shown the LOVE and its popularity “took off.”
Why Clementines are Loved
- Naturally super sweet
- Easy to peel—thanks to their naturally loose skin
- Seedless—making them a cinch to munch on for all ages
- They’re uber portable! Pack ‘em in kids’ lunch boxes OR yours! They’re the perfect grab-‘n-go fruit at anytime of day
- They keep well. And, if refrigerated, they’ll be good-to-go for up to 2 weeks
- Available a good amount of the year (yay!)—from November to May
Hefty Health Benefits
With some 411 from Cuties Citrus
- Heart Healthy: Clementines are cholesterol-free, sodium-free, and fat-free (as is any fruit!) plus they have folate, which helps ward-off heart disease.
- Muscle Healthy: The potassium in
Clementines helps maintain normal blood pressure, and keeps your heart, smooth muscle, and nervous system up to gear. AND, potassium helps your muscles contract and release so you can SWEAT. IT. UP. at your next sweat session! By the way, did I mention exercise also helps keep your muscles healthy? 
- Satisfying: The fiber in these lil’ gems helps fill you up! Each Clementine has about 2 grams of fiber. Ladies should be getting at least 20 grams of fiber per day, and gents at least 30 grams per day.
- Immunity Boosting: Clementines are a good source of Vitamin C—a water-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that helps boost immune function, heal wounds, and keep gums and teeth healthy. Vitamin C has also been associated with the prevention of many chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s. However, current evidence for whether Vitamin C has a definite impact is inconclusive.
Clementine Nutrition 411
Two Clementines at 80 calories plus vitamins, minerals, antioxidants AND fiber … sounds pretty gosh darn good to me!
Eat them:
- As a snack with some nuts for a satisfying munch
- In fruit salads for an extra pop of color
- In plain yogurt for a naturally sweet delight
- In sauces, vinaigrettes, salad dressings (just chop and add!)
- Plain–as a light dessert
- Dipped in dark chocolate and frozen for a fancy treat
- In any salad for added health and color fun
- Simply–on the go
Wishing you a Happy HEALTHIFIED 2010!!!
How do you eat Clementines?
I say goodbye to fad diets, bogus "fat-burning" pills, and processed, non-food food. And, I smile hello to a healthifying lifestyle full of fruits, veggies, and whole grains, sweaty workouts, the occasional "chocolate fix," sleep, family and friend time, and quality "me time" with a focus on health. I look forward to your comments and thoughts as the posts healthify on by!
15 Comments on " Fav #3 Clementine Cravings "
I LOVE clementines!! They are so easy to peel and they carry very well. I have not had any this season, crazy, but I will be buying some soon. I’m currently trying to finish all the oranges I bought lat week. I love oranges too, and this batch has been stellar.
Happy New Year to you!
I look forward to Clementines every winter too! They’re the prefect little snack. Loved the nutrition info.
I love clementines. Sometimes they are a little pricey but they are so good!
I leave them on our counter and my husband I grab them as a healthy snack.
That’s my favorite way to eat them too–on the go
I’ve never had a clementine and didn’t realize they were so popular until recently when they started popping up on blogs. Clearly, I need to give them a try
clementines are the bombdotcom!! i adore those little cuties!! ps the stickers on cuties, also adorable!
Hey Corinne! I could not agree more! Clementines are wonnnnnnderful! I love that they’re so neat and easy to eat, you can take them anywhere without getting messy! Definitely a fruit I buy a LOT of! Mmmm! P.S. Happy New Year!
i loveeee clementines!!!
i like having a spoonful of PB eaten alongside of one.. i take a lick and then eat a slice!
Love the info! I am craving clementines now!
I have been eating salads topped with fruit more often, love that addition to sweeten it up.
I love them too! Did you check out my Blackberry and Cutie salad recipe on my blog last week? I think you will love this salad! Happy New Year! I also have listed salads with suggested fruit, nut and cheese toppings…check it out when you have a second!
http://www.robinplotkin.blogspot.com.
Happy New Year Corinne!!!
I did see your recipe! It looks awesome! It’s on my list of “to-do recipes.” Happy New Year!
I’m a huge fan of clementines. They’re so nutritious and perfect lunchbox & after-school snacks for my kids. Happy New Year!
I just bought a bag of clementines today at the grocery! Of course, I had one as a snack as soon as I got home.
I can’t believe Elizabeth referred to them as bombdotcom. Seriously, where does she come up with this stuff? She’s awesome. You are too
OK so I eat these after a run/jog. I think it’s the potassium, but it perks me right back up again after 10 or so miles. Yum Yum! I buy mine @ Trader Joe’s. SOO delish!
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