Clementines make me happy. And, I like to spread their happiness in my home, in our kitchen particularly. I frequently have a footed bowl filled with them on the counter. It provides a burst of cheery, sunshiny color where my family can easily grab a few as they are going out the door or peel one or two while we are chatting while I am preparing dinner. They serve as a simple, decorating trick and they provide a quick burst of refreshment and a light little snack at the same time. They are easy to peel and no wonder some varieties are called “cuties.”
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CLEMENTINES
Clementines do way more than look pretty and act cute. Next time you pop one or two in your mouth, think about what else you are doing here:
- What goes inside can make the outside look good, too. Clementines are a great food for our skin. The citric acid, Vitamin C, and many other antioxidants are abundant in them, which aids in collagen creation and reduction of free-radical damage.
- They clear things up. Clementines contain a rich amount of ascorbic acid and beta-carotene – both crucial for better vision.
- Your trainer will be impressed. They are a great food for those watching the waistline. Clementines contain very low amounts of sugar and fat. The fiber in them makes you feel full and the hydration they provide helps you feel satisfied as well.
- The nose knows. Like many in the citrus family, clementines have got a bright and deep aroma. Much like the orange essential oil, this smell can trigger relief from stress and allow your mind to awaken and become refreshed and energized.
HOW TO MAKE 3 HEALTHY, SIMPLE AND DELICIOUS THINGS WITH CLEMENTINES
It’s true. I love my bowl of clementines that make for a beautiful and simple arrangement in my kitchen. I will consider that a bonus to the list of the things I like to do with my box of clementines. Allow me to share three other simple and quick things, too, I have made lately with those clementines brightening my kitchen decor:
1. Whip up a Sweet and Tangy Vinaigrette.
Toss your next plate of greens with this. Add some segments of fresh clementines to the salad, a bit of sliced red onion and your favorite chopped nuts:
Gather
- 1/4 cup clementine juice
- 1/8 cup sherry vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- pinch of salt and pepper
- big pinch or two of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Now do this:
- Put in a jar with a lid and shake well.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
2. Make a Fun Dipping Sauce.
Dip a summer roll, egg roll, grilled or baked chicken, roasted vegetables, etc. into this little number:
Gather
- 1/2 cup clementine juice
- 1/8 cup soy sauce (maybe a bit more depending on strength of soy sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon black sesame seeds
Now do this
- Whisk first 7 ingredients together to blend well.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
3. Freeze a Low Calorie, Refreshing Dessert.
This granita is so light, so refreshing and so hydrating. And, if you really want to get fancy, serve it in- between courses at your next big soiree.
- 2 cups fresh clementine juice
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup raw honey
blender
Now do this
- Combine juices, water, and honey in pan and heat gently until honey is liquefied.
- Taste and adjust for sweetness.
- Pour liquid in the shallow baking dish.
- Freeze uncovered for 3-4 hours until hard.
- With a fork, break granita into large chunks and put chunks in a blender.
- Pulse a few times until the consistency of ice chips.
- Do not over pulse or you will liquefy it.
- Serve at once.
SHOP TOP-RATED JUICERS
All kitchens need a juicer of some kind to effectively squeeze out every delicious and valuable drop! Find below several highly-rated juicers at various price points to add to your kitchen. They are in order of lowest cost to highest – with highest having much more capabilities should you seek that.
NEED MORE?
- I love granita – here is another yummy one I have made.
- Please don’t toss your citrus peels. You can create all of this!
I wish I read this a couple of weeks ago when I had a year supply! Great recipes. Thank you!
Oh my gosh I was litererally JUST searching on Pinterest this week for things to do with clementines! I have a huge box and wasn't sure what to do with so many! This is perfect 🙂
Oh, I love it when that happens – finding just what you need! Hope it gives your some ideas, Liz, because they really are versatile and won't be around too much longer.
I love this, Lori!! Clementines are one of my favorite fruit and I love how abundant they are this time of year 🙂 I love sticking them in my smoothies as well! Have a great weekend!
You are right! Smoothies are a great addition. I love them in there, too, with a splash of vanilla and lots of greens!
WOW, these look so yummy!!! Great ideas, I love them!
Anyhoo, I stumbled upon your page through a fellow blogger, and thought I would stop by and say hi! It would totally make my day if you did the same.. or better yet, keep in touch! <3 – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Thanks for stopping by! I very much look forward to keeping in touch!! <3
So very glad you found me, Gingi! I will stop by soon!
Ooh Lori, I'm not a very fruity kind of girl, but I've always loved clementines! Just love the idea of the dressing and dipping sauce and am going to pin these for later. Thank you!
I don't eat a lot of fruit either, but I always have room for citrus in my life!
I love using them to make a dressing, but dipping them in dark chocolate is the best – one of my favourite snacks.
Great idea! I have never tried that, but I plan to. Thanks, Dannii!
Wow! Your children really are fans! They are a fun food for kids and so easy to peel. Glad you are in the clementine camp like me!
Happy Monday Lori! I had no idea clementines were low in sugar! I always assumed the opposite because they are so sweet and delicious. And it just makes sense they help with hydration as they are loaded in fluid. Clementines are my kids favorites. No lie. My 2 and 4 year old eat almost a bag of them every day during the months we get them on sale here. I just keep hearing more…more…more mommy. I didn't realize they had that much fiber either. Thanks for sharing this!