Mandarins in syrup

Candied mandarins are segments of ripe mandarins that have been carefully peeled and preserved in a sweet syrup made primarily of water and sugar. This ingredient is very popular in cooking for its sweet and slightly acidic flavor, as well as its soft and juicy texture, making them a perfect choice for desserts, fruit salads, and various culinary preparations.

The origin of mandarins dates back mainly to Southeast Asia, although their cultivation has spread throughout the world, especially in temperate and subtropical regions. Candied mandarins, specifically, are made through a traditional preservation process that allows them to be enjoyed all year round, beyond their natural season.

The properties of candied mandarins include a high content of natural sugars due to the syrup, which provides quick energy. They also retain some vitamins and antioxidants from the fresh mandarin, such as vitamin C and flavonoids, although in lesser amounts due to the preservation process. They are low in fats and proteins, so they are mainly used to add flavor and sweetness to recipes.

In different Hispanic American countries, candied mandarins may be known by various names, such as preserved mandarins, canned mandarins, or simply sweet mandarins. It is also common to refer to the product by its presentation, such as mandarin segments in syrup or citrus in syrup.