BROADCASTS.com

b'

\\u201cThe fact that the peak MandaRosa season is right around Valentine\\u2019s Day and we have it the whole month of February really makes it a great item for marketing in the produce department.\\u201d

\\xa0

Kim Flores (7:37-7:50)

\\xa0

Have you ever heard of a MandaRosa? This captivating, beautiful, red-flesh mandarin was partially named by The Produce Moms community!

\\xa0

Kim Flores, who was previously on our Thanksgiving special, came aboard the Pro Citrus Network a few years ago as they started to expand their Eastern division. PCN is a grower, shipper, importer and exporter of the citrus category specializing in providing retailers across North America with high quality citrus year round. Yes, PCN is probably to thank for your beautiful, Christmas clementines or those oranges keeping you healthy during winter!\\xa0

\\xa0

Kim and PCN engaged The Produce Moms during the MandaRosa product launch to help find the right name for this delicious fruit. MandaRosa was the overwhelming favorite! But what is it exactly? The MandaRosa is a specialty citrus fruit that is naturally cultivated from a blood orange and a clementine (it\\u2019s varietal name is a Manda Red Variety). PCN, who\\u2019s niche is with specialty citrus like kumquats, sweet limes or blood oranges, was approached by a grower a few years ago who wanted to see if they could bring it to market.

\\xa0

\\u201cI\\u2019ll never forget that day out in the groves with him cutting open that first beautiful piece of fruit which was unlike any mandarin I had ever seen.\\u201d Kim Flores (6:40-6:45)

\\xa0

This beautiful fruit has an exterior similar to a mandarin, but when you cut into it, it\\u2019s as red as a glass of wine. When PCN brought the MandaRosa to market in January 2020, they created a special, natural-looking type of crafts bag for the product packaging and found the fruit was quite a hit considering its peak season is around Valentine\\u2019s day.\\xa0

\\xa0

The fruit is grown in the central valley of California and you\\u2019ll find the internal color varies and changes as the fruit matures. Some of the fruits that are harvested earlier will not be as pigmented when you cut into them, but as the season goes on, the interior color gets deeper and richer.\\xa0

\\xa0

Sometimes the fruit has an ombre effect and even looks like a tequila sunrise! Its pigmentation is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine\\u2019s Day.

\\xa0

An interesting fact about the pigmentation is that it\\u2019s caused by anthocyanins, which are the same antioxidants that cause blood oranges to have their deep, rich color. Anthocyanins are the most powerful antioxidants in nature! They\\u2019re found in blackberries, blueberries and pomegranates. Their health benefits are innumerable, like lowering blood pressure and diabetes. Anthocyanins are so powerful they\\u2019re considered a \\u201csuper antioxidant\\u201d.

\\xa0

Bonus: research shows that anthocyanins are natural fat blockers. Who doesn\\u2019t want that!?

\\xa0

\\u201cThese MandaRosas have an incredible flavor, they\\u2019re absolutely gorgeous, they\\u2019re easy to peel, they\\u2019re seedless\\u2026 what\\u2019s not to love here!?\\u201d Lori Taylor (15:43-15:50)

\\xa0

MandaRosa\\u2019s taste is similar to a tangerine. The earlier fruit has a tartness to it, and as the season goes on they get sweeter and sweeter. Unlike the tangerine, the fruit is also seedless, giving you that same, great flavor without the seeds. A great way to eat them, especially for Valentine\\u2019s Day, is to dip them in chocolate and sprinkle coconut or nuts on top. Another favorite of Kim\\u2019s is a \\u201cMandaRosa mimosa\\u201d. Remember, these delicious fruits are hyper seasonal, so when you see them at your local retailer, grab some before they disappear at the beginning of March!

\\xa0

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!\\xa0
• Reach out to us - we\\u2019d love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.\\xa0

\\xa0

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we\\u2019d love for you to help us spread the word!