Mandarin orange, known as “Quyt” in Vietnamese, is one of the most delightful fruits in Vietnam that captures the hearts of both domestic and foreign consumers. Although it originated from China, mandarin orange has become a beloved fruit in its own right. It shares similarities with oranges, but it has a distinct shape and a stronger flavor. The taste of mandarin oranges can range from slightly sour to sweet, making it a versatile fruit for various dishes and snacks.
The Variations of Mandarin Orange in Vietnam
Vietnam is home to five main variations of mandarin orange. Each variation has its own unique characteristics, adding to the diversity of flavors and textures that mandarin oranges offer. Let’s explore these delightful variations:
Quyt duong (quyt da xanh):
Grown mostly in western provinces, Quyt duong has a rounder shape compared to other types of mandarin oranges. It has a thin and smooth shell that is green when unripe and turns yellow when ripe. Quyt duong is known for its sweet taste.
Quyt hong (quyt tieu):
Also grown in western provinces, Quyt hong has a spherical shape. When the fruit is ripe, its thin orange-pink shell is mixed with green spots. Inside, you’ll find red flesh with few seeds and a sweet taste.
Quyt Thai:
Originating from Thailand, Quyt Thai has a spherical shape and is slightly flat at the top and bottom. It offers a pure, sweet taste without any sourness. The green thin skin turns into a vibrant red-orange color when fully ripe.
Quyt Bac Kan:
Grown in Bac Kan province, Quyt Bac Kan features a smooth and slightly thick shell. Its bright yellow shell hides a delightful combination of sweet and slightly sour flavors.
Quyt ngot mien Nam:
Cultivated in the southern region of Vietnam, Quyt ngot mien Nam is similar to Quyt duong in terms of shape and thin skin. The fruit starts off dark green when young and turns yellow as it ripens.
How to Enjoy Mandarin Orange
Similar to oranges, mandarin oranges are typically peeled and eaten fresh. However, they have a unique characteristic—loose skin with split segments inside. This allows you to easily peel them by hand, without the need for a knife. Unlike oranges, mandarin oranges contain only a few seeds in each segment. While swallowing a few seeds is not a big problem, it’s better to remove them while eating due to their bitter taste. However, it’s important to note that mandarin oranges should not be eaten before breakfast or when you’re hungry, especially if you have a poor digestive system. A proper amount of mandarin oranges for one person is no more than three fruits per day.
Where to Find Mandarin Oranges in Vietnam
Mandarin oranges are cultivated throughout Vietnam, depending on the type. Western provinces like Lai Vung (Dong Thap), Cai Be (Tien Giang), and Long Tri (Hau Giang) are known for their Quyt duong and Quyt hong. Quyt Bac Kan can be found in Bac Kan province, while Quyt ngot mien Nam is grown in southern provinces such as Dong Nai, Can Tho, Vinh Long, and more. Northern provinces like Ha Giang, Hoa Binh, Yen Bai, and Lang Son also have a wide presence of mandarin orange plantations.
The Health Benefits of Mandarin Orange
In addition to its delicious taste, mandarin orange offers numerous health benefits. Packed with essential nutrients, it can enhance your well-being and help prevent common diseases. Here are some of the benefits:
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Boosts Immune System: Mandarin oranges are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, which strengthen the immune system, promote gut health, and nourish the skin and hair.
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Reduces Stress: The manganese, magnesium, and potassium found in mandarin oranges help reduce stress and nervousness.
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Promotes Heart Health: Mandarin oranges contain nutrients that contribute to heart disease prevention.
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Effective for Weight Management: Despite containing calories, mandarin oranges have a negligible fat content, making them a great source of energy without causing weight gain.
Enjoy Mandarin Orange in Various Dishes
There are numerous ways to incorporate mandarin oranges into your meals. Popular options include smoothies, juices, and salads, such as mandarin orange salad with avocado, chicken breast, or beetroot. These salads are not only easy to make but also great for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
The flesh of mandarin oranges can also be used to make a variety of delicious treats, including jam, cheesecake, sticky rice cake, mandarin distilled with sugar candy, or sauce for grilled food.
Additionally, the dried shells of ripe mandarin oranges, known as “tran bi” in Vietnamese, have medicinal properties. They can be stored for a long time and used as a precious remedy for relieving coughs, reducing stress, treating abdominal bloating and colic, nausea, and cold. Dishes cooked with dried mandarin shells, such as porridge, stewed chicken, stewed fish, or Tran bi tea, are worth trying for their unique flavors and health benefits.
So, the next time you come across mandarin oranges, don’t hesitate to indulge in their sweet and tangy goodness. With their delightful taste and array of health benefits, mandarin oranges are a true treasure from nature.
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