Mandarins are really just small oranges, a particular species of orange that is especially soft and tasty.
They are typically eaten raw, as a dessert topping, or in salads.
Below, we discuss whether or not mandarins actually ripen after being picked.
Do Mandarins Ripen After Being Picked?
Mandarins are one of many citrus fruits that belong to the “do not ripen after being picked” school. Further, like most other similar fruits, mandarins ripen from within, so it can be tricky to tell if they are ripe or not when you pick them.
How Do You Ripen a Mandarin?
Mandarins, like other oranges, don’t really ripen after they are picked. They do, however, soften up a bit. Mandarins do not get sweeter after they are picked. It is best to leave it on the tree until ripe for that reason.
How to Tell if a Mandarin is Ripe?
A mandarin that is ripe will have a brighter color than unripe fruits, will be slightly swollen, and slightly yielding to the fingertips as you squeeze it. They also feel heavier in your hand than they appear as they should.
Why Won’t My Mandarins Ripen?
Generally speaking, mandarins that are having trouble ripening are most likely suffering from a lack of adequate sunlight. For this reason, be sure to plant your mandarin trees (or set your pots) where they will have full sun, and avoid placing more than one tree too close to one another.
Are Mandarins Good for You?
Mandarins are healthy fruit, full of Vitamins A, B, and C. The levels of vitamin C in mandarins are higher than what is found in most fruits. They are great for your immune system and generally staying healthy.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
