Produce
Soft citrus, also known as ‘easy peelers’ for obvious reasons, means mandarins of cultivars grown from various varieties. Mandarins are native to South-Eastern Asia and the Philippines and are part of the Citrus reticulate Blanco family. Also known as ‘kid-glove’ oranges, mandarins have a thin, loose peel. The name ‘tangerine’ is used for the varieties with red-orange skin. Smaller and less spherical than oranges, they’re pebbly-skinned.
Nadorcotts
Nadorcotts originated in Morocco. A patented, late-season seedless variety, it’s distinguished by its red-orange colour and thinner peel. Nadorcott is sweet with a well-balanced acidity.
Novas
Novas are medium to large with the rind being a reddish-orange and the flesh deep orange. Juicy and sweet, production is in April.
Orri
The Orri originated in Isreal. Orri’s fruit shape is a mix between oblate and spheroid. The external appearance is a rind colour of light orange at maturity. Relatively easy peeling with a moderate rind oil content. They have a dense internal appearance, with juicy segments.
Leanri
Leanri was cultivated in the Esselen Nursery, Malelane, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Their shape varies from slightly flat (similar to Nadorcott) to round (similar to Clementine). It is a firm fruit with a smooth, thin skin. At maturity the skin turns into a deep orange colour. Leanri’s are easy pealing fruit.
Queen
Queen is a new and distinctive mandarin hybrid cultivar, which distinguishes itself by having mid to late season maturity. It is a large and flat shaped fruit with a smooth skin texture. Queen has a red colour, a rich sweet flavour and pleasant aroma. It further distinguishes itself by being seedless or virtually seedless and easy to peel.
Samba
Samba is a new mandarin cultivar. Some of their prominent characteristics encompass their outstanding flavour and vibrant colour, early ripening, minimal seeds, desirable size, and effortless peeling.