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It's Owari Satsuma Mandarin Season at PlacerGROWN & Foothill Farmer's Market

Nov 03, 2015 09:42AM ● By David Norby

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Placer County grown Owari Satsuma mandarins are the perfect snack for those with a sweet tooth. The flawlessly formed, beautifully colored fruit’s skin is thin, easy to peel and completely biodegradable. Your taste buds will go into overdrive with the sweet, juicy flavor bursting in every bite. Snack time isn’t the only reason to enjoy a mandarin, however; this versatile treat is especially tasty in Chef Courtney McDonald’s recipe for Mandarin, Radish and Apple Salad with Winter Greens (to view it, visit stylergbr.com), which perfectly pairs the fruit’s sweetness with the tang of Meyer lemons and the crunchiness of walnuts. 


DID YOU KNOW?

Some studies have indicated that mandarins contain high levels of the phytochemical synephrine, a natural decongestant that helps relieve cold and allergy symptoms. After arriving in California during the late 1800s, the Owari Satsuma mandarin is thriving in dozens of Placer County orchards today. They’re only available for a few months out of the year, so get your fill now or at the annual Mountain Mandarin Festival from November 20-22.


SELECTION AND STORAGE

When selecting mandarins, ask your local farmer for ones that are unblemished and heavy for their size, as those will taste the best. When storing, be sure to keep them at room temperature; if you do store in the refrigerator, put them in a fabric produce bag or even an old pillowcase so they don’t accumulate any moisture, which can keep them fresh for up to two weeks. Lastly, be sure to pat your mandarins dry to eliminate the moldy fruit problem!

— Carol Arnold


For details on where to buy Placer County farm-fresh produce, wine, meat and other products, visit placergrown.org and foothillfarmersmarket.com.


WEB EXCLUSIVE

Mandarin, Radish and Apple Salad with Winter Greens

Recipe by Chef Courtney McDonald
 
  • 6 mandarins, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch medallions
  • 4 radishes, washed and thinly sliced
  • 2 cups winter greens such as arugula, mizuna or spinach, washed and torn into bite-size pieces
  • 2 crisp apples
  • Juice and zest of 2 Meyer lemons
  • 1/4-1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
 
Place the mandarin slices, sliced radish and greens into a large mixing bowl. Dice the apples into large chunks and add to the bowl. While tossing gently, slowly add the Meyer lemon juice and zest. Next add the olive oil and toss. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer salad to a serving bowl, top with the chopped walnuts and serve immediately! Serves 6.

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