Tamenglong Orange / Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
Tamenglong orange / Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) is unique crop found only in the Tamenglong district of the state of Manipur. The plant is perennial evergreen of the Rutaceae family and subtropical in distribution.
Tamenglong orange is rich in vitamin A, B, C and phosphorus. It is consumed fresh or in the form of juice, jam, squash and syrup. Oranges have long been valued as part of a nutritious and tasty diet. The flavours provided by citrus are among the most preferred in the world, and it is increasingly evident that citrus not only tastes good, but is also good for health. Consumption of citrus fruit and their products can lead to widespread nutritional benefits.
Its consumption has been shown to prevent and fight diseases like cardiovascular diseases as they are rich in potassium and boost heart health. It contain phytochemicals that can protect against cancer. It is also full of vitamin C, which protects cells by neutralizing free radicals. It also lower the risk of many common diseases.
Nutritional Value per 100g
| Energy | : 53 kcal |
| Protein | : 0.81 g |
| Total lipid(fat) | : 0.31 g |
| Carbohydrate | : 13.34 g |
| Total dietary fibre | : 1.8 g |
| Total Sugars | : 10.58 g |
Minerals
| Calcium | : 37 mg |
| Iron | : 0.15 mg |
| Magnesium | : 12 mg |
| Phosphorus | : 20 mg |
| Potassium | : 166 mg |
| Sodium | : 2 mg |
| Zinc | : 0.07 mg |
Vitamins
| Vitamin C | : 26.7 mg |
| Thiamin | : 0.058 mg |
| Riboglavin | : 0.036 mg |
| Niacin | : 0.0376 mg |
| Vitamin(B6) | : 0.078 mg |
| Folate | :16 ug |
| Vitamin A | :682 IU |
| Vitamin E | : 0.20 mg |
Uses and Processing Opportunities
Tamenglong orange are usually consumed fresh. The fresh fruit is also used in salads, desserts and main dished. Value addition can be carried out in the form of juice, candy, jam, jelly, marmalade, canning, wine, extraction of essential oils, pectin and many more.
Juice is the most important processed product from the fruit. Pulp which is ruptured juice sacs and segment walls recovered after the extraction process are added to the juice to provide mouth feel and a natural appearance to the product.
Peel can be processed to extract peel oil which produce flavours and are largely used in food, drink, cosmetics and chemical products. D-Limonene which is the main component of the peel oil is used in the biodegradable solvents and cleaning products and in manufacturing of synthetic resins and adhesives.
Status of Organic Certification
The crop has been undergoing the process of certification under standards laid down and administered in India by APEDA i.e. National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) since 2016. An area of 400 ha. of organic Tamenglong Orange has been certified organically.
Variety Grown and Availability in Manipur
Tamenglong orange weight around 90-110 g. Fruit and has loose skinned, smooth surface, approx. 10 segments, abundant juice (40-50 %), TSS content (9-14 degree Brix) with well blended sweetness and acidity taste.
The harvested fruit will be available from October to February every year.