Citrus
CONFESSION: I MIGHT BE OBSESSED WITH MANDARINS 🍊
Experience the bold aroma and vibrant color of a fresh catch straight from the sea to your table, served with the simplicity you crave and the flavor your palate demands.
I'm going to be so honest: I didn't know there were different kinds of mandarins. I thought a "mandarin orange" was a variety of orange, and that was that.
The other day, as I was peeling yet another bright orange beauty (admittedly my third in one sitting), I realized that this mandarin was called an "Ojai Gold Nugget." Confused, I did what any curious fruit lover would do: I went down a mandarin rabbit hole to find out all about different kinds the world had to offer. Honestly, they all kind of look the same and seem to check a lot of the same boxes: quick and easy, a lunchbox staple, world's best smelling biodegradable wrapper...But taste-wise? Each variety is a total game changer.
THE W. MURCOTT
If you like your mandarins on the richer side, this one’s for you.
Taste: Sweet with hints of honey and cinnamon - delicious.
Texture: Juicy and tender, perfect for snacking in the car (just keep wipes handy).
Peelability: Easy-peasy!
Seeds: Mostly seedless, but you might run into a stray here or there.
THE HONEY
If you like your mandarins on the richer side, this one’s for you.
Taste: Sweet with a deep, honey-like flavor that makes you pause mid-bite to appreciate it.
Texture: Super juicy - get those napkins ready!
Peelability: Not the easiest peel of the bunch, but worth it for that flavor payoff.
Seeds: This variety is seeded, but worth it!
THE ORRI
I like to think of Orri as the dependable best friend of mandarins.
Taste: Balanced sweetness with a hint of tang – refreshing and not overly sugary.
Texture: Firm and juicy, it holds up well if you toss it into your lunch bag for later.
Peelability: Effortless. Seriously, your fingers barely do any work.
Seeds: Practically seedless, making it the ultimate grab-and-go snack.
THE OJAI GOLD NUGGET
This one feels like the luxury splurge of the mandarin world.
Taste: Imagine the sweetest candy-like mandarin you’ve ever tried, then add a floral vanilla note on top.
Texture: Dense and crisp but super juicy – almost like it’s showing off.
Peelability: Its bumpy skin peels off in seconds.
Seeds: Completely seedless. No interruptions while you’re lost in citrus bliss.
So... which one wins?
Honestly, I can’t pick a favorite. It’s like asking me to choose between coffee and sleep. Lucky for us, each one is in season at different times, so we really don't have to pick one over another. All I know is: whichever one is available in stores that week, I'm bringing a bag (or two) home with me!
I'm going to be so honest: I didn't know there were different kinds of mandarins. I thought a "mandarin orange" was a variety of orange, and that was that.
The other day, as I was peeling yet another bright orange beauty (admittedly my third in one sitting), I realized that this mandarin was called an "Ojai Gold Nugget." Confused, I did what any curious fruit lover would do: I went down a mandarin rabbit hole to find out all about different kinds the world had to offer. Honestly, they all kind of look the same and seem to check a lot of the same boxes: quick and easy, a lunchbox staple, world's best smelling biodegradable wrapper...But taste-wise? Each variety is a total game changer.
THE W. MURCOTT
If you like your mandarins on the richer side, this one’s for you.
Taste: Sweet with hints of honey and cinnamon - delicious.
Texture: Juicy and tender, perfect for snacking in the car (just keep wipes handy).
Peelability: Easy-peasy!
Seeds: Mostly seedless, but you might run into a stray here or there.
THE HONEY
If you like your mandarins on the richer side, this one’s for you.
Taste: Sweet with a deep, honey-like flavor that makes you pause mid-bite to appreciate it.
Texture: Super juicy - get those napkins ready!
Peelability: Not the easiest peel of the bunch, but worth it for that flavor payoff.
Seeds: This variety is seeded, but worth it!
THE ORRI
I like to think of Orri as the dependable best friend of mandarins.
Taste: Balanced sweetness with a hint of tang – refreshing and not overly sugary.
Texture: Firm and juicy, it holds up well if you toss it into your lunch bag for later.
Peelability: Effortless. Seriously, your fingers barely do any work.
Seeds: Practically seedless, making it the ultimate grab-and-go snack.
THE OJAI GOLD NUGGET
This one feels like the luxury splurge of the mandarin world.
Taste: Imagine the sweetest candy-like mandarin you’ve ever tried, then add a floral vanilla note on top.
Texture: Dense and crisp but super juicy – almost like it’s showing off.
Peelability: Its bumpy skin peels off in seconds.
Seeds: Completely seedless. No interruptions while you’re lost in citrus bliss.
So... which one wins?
Honestly, I can’t pick a favorite. It’s like asking me to choose between coffee and sleep. Lucky for us, each one is in season at different times, so we really don't have to pick one over another. All I know is: whichever one is available in stores that week, I'm bringing a bag (or two) home with me!
