The exact time of fruiting depends on the variety but you can rely on a steady stream of fruit in the market from late fall through early spring. Mandarin oranges are available in the cooler months. Thoroughly washing and peeling the fruit will also limit one’s exposure to agricultural chemicals. To avoid exposure to pesticides, fungicides, and other potential toxic applications, look for fruit that is labeled “certified organic” or buy directly from the grower. Over time, the fungicides can leach into the fruit.
They also crate the mandarins with fungicide treated wraps or pads to retard spoilage. To extend their shelf-life, packers often spray the fruit with protective waxes. Often the grower must rely on some sort of topical treatment in whole or in part to abate crop destroying pests and other farming plagues and mandarins are no exception. Crop rotation, one of the key tools in low-spray growing techniques, is unavailable for mandarin oranges, as it is for all orchard fruit.
Consumer Reports ranks them as a “high risk” for pesticide exposure. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) lists tangerines at #22 of their 48 most contaminated produce items in the marketplace. Organizations such as Food and Water Watch are putting pressure on the industry and government officials to stop this practice. While there is no evidence that any toxins in the wastewater make it into the growing fruit or in quantities high enough to impact health, the practice nevertheless raises serious concerns. Some orchards, particularly in California, have come under fire for irrigating their fields with oil field wastewater. So don’t hesitate to grab a heavy, sweet smelling fruit even if it is a little green, it may not be the prettiest mandarin, but it may be the better choice. Some producers have been known to dye their oranges to increase their visual appeal in the marketplace. If the fruit isn’t subjected to a cold snap before harvest, it will still be sweet and juicy, even if the skin hasn’t completely converted to a bright orange color. The fruit needs a good chill in the orchard to lose any green hue that may be lingering on the skin. Likewise, mandarins left on the counter will not ripen further but will, instead, tend to ferment rather quickly giving the fruit a musty taste.Ĭolor may not always indicate ripeness. Unlike other citrus, mandarins cannot remain on the tree after ripening or they will develop off flavors. What to Look for When Buying Mandarin Oranges
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