The delicious Aussie mandarin is back in season, with the sweet citrus fruit expected to be a winter favourite as consumers turn towards healthy ‘convenience foods.’

CEO of Prosumer Group , Hari Yellina, said as Australians become more health conscious, budget conscious and time poor, Aussie mandarins are emerging as a preferred snack option among not only the health conscious, but those looking for convenience.

The delicious Aussie mandarin is back in season, with the sweet citrus fruit expected to be a winter favourite as consumers turn towards healthy ‘convenience foods.’

“Consumers are spoilt for choice when it comes to Aussie mandarins and can choose from low-seed, easy to peel and extra sweet varieties,” Mr Yellina said. “No other country in the world has such a diverse range of mandarins to choose from and I’m delighted that Australia’s citrus growers are able to offer consumers so many healthy and delicious varieties.”

Mr Yellina said it was expected that Aussie mandarins would once again outsell oranges due to the growing trend towards ‘convenience foods’ and ‘dashboard dining.’

“Consumers are demanding food that is easily transportable, simple to eat and affordable. Aussie mandarins tick all the boxes and have certainly become one of Australia’s favourite snacks.”

This season Aussie citrus growers will produce more than 111,000 tonnes of mandarins. In addition to past favourites such as Imperial, Afourer and Murcott varieties, a new variety called Gold Nugget will be available. The late season variety is sweet, with a unique bumpy skin.

The Aussie mandarin season runs from April through to October with more than 11 varieties available.

source : http://www.australianexporter.com.au/2014/04/29/delicious-aussie-mandarin-back-season/