Clemenules (Nules) - The most prominent Clementine variety in Spain, the fruit reaches optimum size and maturity in November. Clemenules are particularly favoured for the extended period in which quality is retained, allowing harvest to continue until late January when conditions allow. The Clemenules variety’s quality is reflected in the extent to which South Africa, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay have recently devoted land to the production of the variety.

Countries of Origin: Spain

Clemenvilla (Nova, Suntina) - This variety reaches maturity from mid-December onwards in Spain and, for a mandarin, is considered medium to large in size. The Clemenvilla is highly regarded for the high internal quality of the fruit. Bearing much in common with the Clemenules variety, the colour of the flesh is deep orange; segments are particularly juicy and benefit from a fine, sweet flavour. This variety is also highly desirable due to its low acidity and resultant high sugar-acidity ratio.

Countries of Origin: Spain, Argentina, Uruguay

Fortuna - This high quality variety has gained importance recently among Spanish industry. A Clementine-Dancy tangerine hybrid, the Fortuna has achieved great success when grown in Spain but has been less consistent when grown in other regions. Typical fruit is graded somewhere between small and medium with skin that bares more resemblance to the Satsuma than to the Clementine. Typical Fortuna examples have a thin, easily removable skin with strong colour. The Fortuna does not achieve optimum maturity until March/April – extremely late for Spain but when it does, it obtains a highly desirable balance between sweetness and acidity. Mature fruit has a flavour somewhere between sweet and very sweet though acid remains high until very late in the season, sometimes resulting in very late harvests. Fruit is typically almost seedless, thus making it highly desirable for western-European markets.

Countries of Origin: Spain

Ortanique - This Tangor variety is a late maturing fruit that is known for its durability and capacity to be left on or off the tree without juice quality and exterior appearance being adversely affected. The juice is well coloured and the high sugar content of the juice is balanced by adequate acidity. The full bodied aroma of the juice and the absence of delayed bitterness increase the appeal of this variety.

Countries of Origin: Spain, Argentina, Uruguay

Ellendales - This orange-mandarin hybrid achieves maturity during mid-season and is considered to be medium to large in size. Though early fruit lacks colour, by maturity the fruit has achieved a deep orange shade with a thin, smooth and easily-removable skin. The Ellendale is a particularly attractive variety for processors due to the high juice content and rich sweet flavour. Acid levels begin high and so it is often necessary to allow sufficient time for this to drop before harvesting. Also in the Ellendale’s favour is its durability in terms of storage and shipping. Though originally grown exclusively in Australia, the last 20 years have seen a huge increase in the popularity of this variety and the quantity of land devoted to its cultivation has significantly increased in Argentina, Uruguay and Spain.

Countries of Origin: Argentina, Uruguay