Receta Mixed Greens and Mandarin Oranges with Homemade Dressing
by Christine Lamb

Mandarin

oranges are little segments of citrus flavor suitable for salads, vegetables,

main dishes and, can’t forget, desserts. Although mostly used in canned form,

you may have eaten a fresh mandarin orange and not even realized it.

"Mandarin

oranges" is a term that applies to an entire group of citrus fruits. This

group, botanically classified as Citrus

reticulata, includes such varieties as Satsuma, Clementine, Honey,

Dancy, Pixie, and tangerines in general. Most are sweeter than their other

citrus cousins, yet there are some tart varieties, have a bright orange skin

that is easy to peel, and inner segments that are easily separated. There are

seeded and seedless varieties.

The

terms "mandarin orange"

and "tangerine" are

often used interchangeably, particularly outside the US. This might be

confusing, because although a tangerine is a mandarin orange, not all mandarin

oranges are tangerines. Tangerines are the most common variety of fresh

mandarin orange found in the US.

Mandarin refers to the bright orange robes worn by the

mandarins, public officials of the ancient Chinese court. These delectable

fruits were often reserved strictly for the privileged class in the Far East,

another distinguishing reason why they are called mandarins or mandarin oranges

today. Although cultivated for over 3,000 years in China, mandarin oranges did

not reach Europe and North America until the nineteenth century. The first

mandarin oranges to be exported were shipped from the city of Tangiers in

Morocco, hence the moniker tangerines.

Need

you daily dose of greens and fruit, try this mixed greens and fruit salad with

homemade dressing.

Mixed

Greens and Mandarin Oranges with Homemade Dressing

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Ingredients:

(10 oz.) bag mixed greens

Directions:

a salad bowl, toss together mixed greens, mandarin oranges, walnut halves and

goat cheese.

Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey and cinnamon.

Just

before serving, add dressing, toss to coat. Enjoy!