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The Amazing Satsuma Oranges!
Along with the cold of winter, comes a hidden gem that is the best kept secret of the later months. Although its popularity is growing in the home cook and professional chef scene. Satsuma mandarin still doesnt get the fame it deserves considering they have been around since the very beginning. If you have not had the pleasure of consuming this fruit from the horned tree, then reading on will spark a healthy obsession. A satsuma mandarin will change your outlook on oranges, so beware the consequences of this read.
What are Satsuma Oranges?
Satsuma oranges (also known as satsuma mandarin, unshu mikan, the cold-hardy mandarin, or simply satsuma) fall in to the citrus category. While they closely relate to tangerines, clementine’s, and other fruits in the citrus family, they are delicious enough to fall into their own category.
A satsuma is slightly larger than its cousin’s, tangerine and clementine, which makes sense because they are also known to be the juiciest of the bunch. Their loose skin makes them easy to peel away, revealing a seedless safe haven of delicately balanced sweet subacid citrus flavor.
This citrus was first recorded in Japan; Almost 700 years ago. Its name insinuates its origin to be of Chinese descent, but there are no records of a satsuma tree in China before this time. This is most likely a rumor started from the rivaling clans at the time. The satsuma did end up spreading to China and the Mediterranean later on, and ultimately the rest of the world.
Satsuma Tree Varieties
There are over 100 different satsuma tree varieties that we know of. Unfortunately, however, there are only a few that are available in the U.S. on a regular basis. I have also put links below on where to buy a satsuma tree. Click the varieties to find a particular satsuma tree for sale.
- Owari – Most common of the satsuma varieties with a medium shape and redish-orange skin. This ripens later in the harvest season.
- Obawase or Wase– These ripen early, so they are perfect for places that don’t have much of a “satsuma tree season”. This is one of the larger varieties of fruits.
- Armstrong– Larger fruit and matures early. This satsuma has a unique light orange skin.
- Big Early– Similar to Armstrong but is grown in the gulf region on the United States.
- Kimbrough– high yielding with a red-orange, loose peel.
- Kara– hybrid satsuma mandarin with a variety of tangerine. This has a higher than normal seed content.
- Miho– This is a newer variety of Satsuma. It’s a large fruit with smooth skin. It ripens early during the harvest season.
- Seto– This variety is sought after for large scale farmers due to its semi-flat shape, it is easier and more efficient to pack and ship.
- Orange Frost- cross between a cold-hardy Changsha and a Satsuma mandarin. This fruit is sweet, easy to peel, and may contain 1 or 2 seeds.
- Arctic Frost- Another satsuma mandarin variety with an intense orange color. This satsuma tree can survive 10 F temperatures.
What does a Satsuma Taste Like?
The flavor of satsuma oranges really depends on the satsuma mandarin tree it comes from, or its variety. All in all, these delicious fruits have a very well balanced flavor. Just the right amount of sweetness, with a moderate level of acidity. Do yourself a favor and google satsuma oranges for sale near me and go buy some right now!
Where to Buy Satsuma Oranges or Satsuma Mandarin Products?
If you want to check out where to buy some satsuma oranges, satsuma trees, and other satsuma products then click the links below to see some products on Amazon!
FAQs
- How many calories in one satsuma mandarin?
A satsuma mandarin has right around 35-50 calories, according to Florida Department of Agriculture.
- When to pick a satsuma mandarin?
Depends on where you live. The season can be long or short. On coastal regions, satsumas can ripen from November to January. Warmer regions satsumas will mature early as October, while colder regions satsumas are prevalent from December to April.
- How big can a satsuma tree get?
Right around 12 ft tall for a standard Owari tree. But sizes vary with the different varieties. Some varieties can be 20 ft tall.
- Why does my satsuma tree have thorns?
Thorns grow on the young trees to protect them from predatory animals. They aren’t poisonous but they can definitely stab you!
