![]() ![]() ![]() The clementine is a mixture of a mandarin and a classic sweet orange, and is said to have been discovered by Clment Rodier, a French monk living in 19 th-century Algeria, who found it growing in the orchard of the orphanage he ran. Oranges are like roses, with endless hybrids having been cultivated over the centuries, each with its own particular shape, scent, texture and taste. Poverty and desire probably also played a role in fostering the custom in times past, oranges were not only an affordable gift, but also a brief taste of exotic, sunnier climes.Īs for the clementine itself, its origins are somewhat uncertain. The clementines (or oranges) in our modern Christmas stockings are said to be a symbol of the saint's generosity. Nicholas sought out the man's house and tipped three sacks of gold down the chimney, where the coins happened to land in the girls' stockings, which were drying beside the fire. It tells how Saint Nicholas, the 4 th-century Greek bishop upon whom Santa Claus was modelled, one day heard of a poor man who had failed to find suitors for his three daughters, lacking money for their dowries. Most people probably don't know where this clementine tradition comes from, but the apocryphal story is rather a charming one. Many of us have fond memories of them dating back to childhood, when they were stuffed into Christmas stockings with other nostalgic treats like sugar mice and chocolate coins. At Christmas time, the clementine is one of the most popular and plentiful varieties, its tight, glossy skin often accompanied by a sprig of zesty leaves. Oranges of all kinds are at their best during Britain's winter months a bright, fragrant blessing to carry us through the darkest days of the year. Amy Bradford explores the history behind clementines at Christmas. ![]()
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