Copius
Clementine, drawn for Copius

Clementine

Clémentine

Latin nameCitrus × clementina
FamilyFruits
OriginOran, Algeria
Season (France)November – January
FlavourSweet · Citrusy · Delicate · Floral
Typical price (France)2,50–5 €/kg

What it is

Found around 1900 in the garden of an orphanage near Oran by Brother Clément Rodier, who was tending the trees — a chance seedling that turned out to be seedless and sweeter than its neighbours. It carries his name and nothing else.

In the kitchen

Buy them with the leaves still attached. It is the only reliable freshness signal on a citrus fruit at the market.

Goes with

Dark chocolate Vanilla Cinnamon Almond Honey Pistachio Cream Fennel

In season alongside

Citron Menton lemon Meyer lemon Lychee Buddha's hand Mandarin

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