I love seeing all the Clementine boxes this time of year in the produce section!
Did you know that clementines are a variety of mandarin oranges? They're rather tiny, quite easy to peel, and even the segments come apart smoothly.
When these tasty winter fruits are in season, they're a deal when purchased by the box. You can usually get 25-30 of these little fruits for between $3.99 and $7.99 per box. That's about .25 cents each, which is less than the price of a candy bar! One clementine has just 35 calories and contains 60% of your daily supply of vitamin C. It is as filling as a handful of chips, which ring in at 140 calories, or candy bars, which generally have 200-300 calories!
The only challenge with clementines is to use them all up before they lose their flavor and turn brown. I've found that a box is kept on the counter for about one week or two weeks in the refrigerator.
Here are 15 things you can do with mandarin oranges: clementines, mandarins, or satsumas.
- Keep a few in your car so you can eat them on the go. This works best in winter. Be sure to bring the fruit only on the day you run errands. In addition to being tasty snacks, clementines make your car smell great but remember to bring a napkin and bag to take care of any mess.
- Eat three clementines after dinner instead of dessert. They will help cut cravings for ice cream.
- Keep a centerpiece bowl of clementines on the table to encourage more family time.
- Take them along for breakfast when you're on the go or better yet, make a clementine smoothie!
- Bring some to work and fill up your candy jar. These fruits are way better for you -- and more filling -- than candy anyway.
- Top a salad with clementine segments.
- Make a show-stopping dessert! First, peel and segment a clementine. Place the pieces in a fancy glass or bowl, then top with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Fill the deli drawer of your refrigerator with clementines. This makes them easy to reach and eat for all family members. What great at-home snacks!
- Take 3 clementines to eat after your next workout or hike instead of a sports bar. Three clementines have about 105 calories, whereas most sports bars have at least double that. For ease in eating, you can peel them and put a couple in a Ziploc bag ahead of time.
- Add clementine slices to water for a flavorful drink.
- If you fire up your grill, you can include these with chicken breast and grill them too. Place the pieces on foil. No grill? No problem! You can also broil both in the oven.
- Dehydrate slices of clementine - easy to carry and do not require refrigeration. Yummy snack.
- Pack some clementines in everyone's lunchbox.
- Take them to your next party or for a kid’s "sports snack" instead of chips.
- Use them in your muesli. Don't know what muesli is? It is a Swiss-style breakfast made with rolled oats, yogurt, fruits and nuts and there's a great intro recipe in that link.
- BONUS: That box the clementine's come in can be used for a cute gift box, storage container or kindling!
There are a ton of recipes out there to assist with using up your clementines. Maybe give one a try?
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