If you've never cooked with mandarins, they're more versatile than you might think

Although generally peeled and eaten fresh, don’t overlook the possibilities this little ball of vitamin C-packed goodness has to offer when it comes to what it's capable of in the kitchen.

Mandarins are small, orange coloured, citrus fruits that usually grow on a small to medium sized trees and are similar to an orange, but are often sweeter. As well as eaten on-the-go, the fresh mandarin can also be a fabulous addition when used in salads, desserts and main dishes.

Mandarin slices or cubed pieces can also be dried for use on top of cereals, combined in snack bars or served atop ice cream or yoghurt. Fresh mandarin juice is can also be frozen as a juice concentrate for use later. The options really are endless.

A mandarin is actually a type of orange, therefore it is also a part of the Rutaceae, or citrus, family. Like other citrus fruits, they grow on a tree and, compared to the orange, a mandarin is much smaller and not as round. The top and bottom of the fruit can be a bit flat. Clementines, tangerines and satsumas are just different varieties of the mandarin orange.

Although we tend to associate citrus fruits with sunshine, they typically don’t become ripe until autumn and winter months, so have traditionally been seen as a signal that the festive season is on the way. During the festive season from November to February, satsumas, tangerines and clementines are usually sourced from Spain, but at other times of the year they are sourced from other countries including South Africa and Australia.

In some counties a mandarin is a traditional stocking filler, thanks to a legend about Santa Claus. The story goes that, when he learned of three sisters who could not get married because they didn’t have enough money, he dropped golden balls down a chimney to help them and they landed in socks that were drying by the fire.

The oranges, tangerines and clementines we give today are symbols of the gold that was given that night.

Five facts about mandarins

1. Don’t stress about the number you consume as there are just 47 calories in 100 grams of mandarin orange.
2. Mandarin oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C. They are also a very good source of dietary fibre, B vitamins including vitamin B1, pantothenic acid and folate.
3. Need a vitamin A, calcium, copper and potassium boost? Reach for a juicy mandarin, which boasts all in abundance.
4. Mandarin oranges symbolize wealth and prosperity during the Asian Lunar New Year celebrations.
5. As mandarines are tender and easily damaged by the cold weather, they’re mainly grown in tropical and subtropical areas.