What does the word mandarin mean?
The term "mandarin" comes from the French name for this fruit, which is itself derived from the Portuguese word " mandarim ." This word refers to the mandarins, the high-ranking officials of ancient China, who were traditionally associated with the cultivation of this fruit. The etymology of "mandarim" dates back to the Sanskrit "mantrin," meaning "advisor" or "minister." The origin of this term is also linked to the use of mandarins as gifts and tokens of respect for Chinese dignitaries.
Thus, the name "mandarin" refers to the historical relationship between this fruit and Chinese mandarins, highlighting its cultural importance and symbolic status.
In the beginning…
The history of the mandarin orange dates back thousands of years in Asia . Native to China and Southeast Asia, the mandarin orange is one of the oldest fruits cultivated by humans. It is often associated with legends and important symbolism in Chinese culture.
Mandarin oranges were introduced to Europe in the 19th century by explorers and traders fascinated by their delicious taste and ease of peeling. They quickly became popular in Mediterranean countries and gained international acclaim.
Today, mandarin oranges are grown in many parts of the world, including Spain, Italy, Morocco, and the United States. They are prized for their sweet and tangy flavor, as well as their richness in vitamins and antioxidants.
Over the centuries, the mandarin orange has become a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and celebration, often associated with Chinese New Year festivities. It is also used in various industries, from perfumery to cooking, thanks to its vibrant and refreshing aroma.
The mandarin orange's origins date back to ancient China, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is the result of a cross between two citrus species: the wild mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and the papeda (Citrus maxima). Mandarin oranges originate from the subtropical regions of China, where they were considered a precious and highly prized fruit.
Mandarin cultivation
Mandarin oranges are grown primarily in subtropical and Mediterranean climates . Mandarin oranges are typically grown from seed or grafted onto suitable rootstocks. They require well-drained, fertile soil and a sunny location for optimal growth. Mandarin trees are often pruned to promote better air circulation and facilitate harvesting. Regular irrigation is essential, especially during periods of active growth and fruit development.
Planting mandarin oranges requires a few key steps. First, it's important to select a suitable site with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Mandarin seedlings are usually sourced from specialist nurseries and planted in spring or fall, making sure to prepare planting holes that are sufficiently wide and deep.
Once planted, mandarin orange trees should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulching around the base of the trees can help retain soil moisture. The trees should also be pruned to promote healthy growth and adequate air circulation.
Mandarin planting can vary depending on the region and variety characteristics. Particular attention should be paid to the water requirements, diseases, and pests specific to each region.
Mandarin development follows a process that includes several stages. After planting, the mandarin tree develops through a vegetative growth phase, during which it develops its branches, leaves, and roots. During this period, it is important to provide proper care such as regular irrigation, fertilization, and protection against diseases and pests.
Once the tree is mature enough, it enters the flowering phase, where white, fragrant flowers appear. These flowers are pollinated by bees or other insects, and if pollination is successful, they develop into fruit.
Mandarin fruits then go through a development phase, where they gradually increase in size and weight. The skin color changes from green to yellow or orange, and the fruit acquires its characteristic sweet flavor.
Mandarin oranges are harvested manually using scissors or pruning shears to cut the ripe fruit from the tree. Mandarins are harvested by carefully grasping them and detaching them from the branch while preserving the stem. It is important to handle the fruit gently to avoid damaging their delicate skin. Harvesting is usually done when the mandarins are fully ripe, indicated by their bright color and sweet flavor.
What do you know about mandarin in perfumery?
The process of processing and transforming mandarin into perfumery involves extracting the essential oils found in the fruit's peel. The peels are usually cold-pressed to extract the precious aromatic essences. These mandarin essential oils are then used as key ingredients in the creation of perfumes.
Mandarin essences bring a fruity, fresh, and sparkling note to fragrance compositions. They are often used to add a touch of energy and liveliness to perfumes, creating a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere. Perfumers can also experiment with different extraction and distillation techniques to achieve variations in the nuances of mandarin essences, allowing them to harmoniously integrate them into unique olfactory accords.
The scent profile of mandarin is characterized by vibrant freshness and fruity sweetness. Its fragrance is cheerful, sparkling, and reminiscent of the juicy burst of citrus fruit. The dominant notes are those of freshly peeled orange peel, with tangy citrus accents. Mandarin gives off an energizing and luminous sensation, evoking memories of summer and vitality. Its sunny and refreshing scent adds a touch of joy and lightness to many fragrance compositions, making it a sought-after ingredient in the perfume industry.
The steps involved in making a mandarin fragrance in perfumery include extracting the essential oils from the fruit's peel, usually through cold pressing, to obtain the precious aromatic essences. These essential oils then undergo purification processes to remove impurities. Mandarin essences are then used as ingredients in perfume creation, where they can be combined with other raw materials to form harmonious olfactory accords. Perfumers experiment and adjust the quantities and combinations of ingredients to create fragrances that capture the characteristic freshness and sweetness of mandarin.
Mandarin is widely used in perfumery to bring a fresh , fruity , and sparkling note to olfactory compositions. Its essential oil is extracted from the fruit's rind and used as a key ingredient in many perfumes. Mandarin adds a touch of energy and vitality, creating a cheerful and sparkling atmosphere. Its sunny and bright scent is often associated with summer compositions, but can also be used to add a fruity and dynamic note to more complex perfumes.
In perfumery, mandarin blends well with several olfactory accords to create balanced and appealing compositions. Some of the accords commonly associated with mandarin include:
• Citrus fruits : Mandarin blends harmoniously with other citrus fruits such as lemon, orange and grapefruit, creating refreshing and energizing accords.
• Floral notes : It can be combined with light and delicate floral notes such as orange blossom, rose or jasmine, to bring a subtle softness to the composition.
• Woody notes : Mandarin can blend with woody notes such as cedar, sandalwood or vetiver, adding a warm depth to the fragrance.
• Spices : It can be combined with spices such as cinnamon, ginger or pepper, to create spicy and energetic combinations.
• Gourmet notes : Mandarin can also be combined with gourmet notes such as vanilla, caramel or chocolate, creating fruity and gourmet combinations.
Good to know!
Mandarin is known for its many benefits and virtues. It is rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and promotes overall health. It is also a source of antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Mandarin is beneficial for digestion because it is sweet and promotes the secretion of digestive enzymes. Additionally, its fresh and stimulating scent can help relieve stress and promote a sense of well-being.
Some legendary mandarin flavors...
Here are some famous mandarin eau de parfums:
• Sundazed by Byredo : Sundazed is a fragrance created by the Swedish brand Byredo. Launched in 2019, this fragrance is part of the "Sundazed" collection, which is inspired by the sunny pleasures of summer. The perfumer behind this composition is Jérôme Epinette. Sundazed features mandarin as one of its main notes.
The Sundazed fragrance is described as sunny, bright, and vibrant. In addition to mandarin, it incorporates other fruity and floral notes, such as neroli and jasmine. These notes blend with accents of honey, sweet cotton, and musk, creating a sweet, joyful, and captivating fragrance. Sundazed evokes a summery atmosphere and recalls sunny afternoons spent basking in the warm rays of the sun.
• Infusion Mandarine by Prada : Infusion Mandarine is a fragrance offered by the Italian fashion house Prada. Released in 2015, it is one of the variations of the "Les Infusions de Prada" collection, which explores the refined and elegant facets of different raw materials. Perfumer Daniela Andrier is behind this creation. Infusion Mandarine highlights mandarin orange in a subtle and sophisticated approach. This fragrance is both fresh and delicate, moving away from an overly sweet or tangy approach to mandarin orange. In addition to mandarin orange, there are notes of neroli, orange blossom and cedarwood. The whole offers an elegant composition, ideal for lovers of more refined and discreet citrus fruits.
• Aqua Vitae Cologne Forte by Kurkdjian : Aqua Vitae Cologne Forte is a fragrance created by Francis Kurkdjian, a renowned French perfumer known for his bold, high-quality creations. This fragrance is part of the designer's Aqua Vitae collection, which celebrates the contrasts between freshness and warmth. In Aqua Vitae Cologne Forte, mandarin orange is used to bring a bright, sparkling note from the very beginning of the fragrance. It is combined with notes of bergamot, lemon, blackcurrant, and other citrus fruits, creating a fresh, sunny opening. However, this fragrance is not limited to citrus, as it evolves with spicy middle notes: cinnamon and rose first. Touches of amber and sandalwood bring warmth back to this fragrance.
• Mandarin Basil Guerlain is a fragrance from the "Aqua Allegoria" collection launched in 2007. Created by perfumer Thierry Wasser, it features mandarin and basil for a stimulating olfactory experience. The top notes are dominated by mandarin, providing a bright and sparkling opening, while basil adds a green and aromatic dimension. Light floral notes and amber and musky accents complete the composition. It is a fresh and elegant fragrance, ideal for hot summer days.
• In Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin Men's Cologne , although mandarin is often present as a top note in many fragrances, in this Jo Malone London creation it also manifests itself in the base notes. This fragrance offers a refreshing and dynamic blend of juicy mandarin, aromatic basil and sparkling lime. Mandarin brings a lingering fruity sweetness that blends with the other notes to create a bright and energizing base
• Atelier Cologne 's Mandarine Glaciale Eau de Toilette captures the refreshing and sparkling essence of mandarin orange. The top notes are dominated by Italian mandarin, offering a burst of fruity freshness. Then, light floral heart notes blend with ginger accords to add a spicy and invigorating dimension.
Mandarin x Good Perfumer
• Eau de Cologne 004 has a gin and tonic effect brought by juniper berry. A true citrus cocktail accompanies it: lemon, bergamot and mandarin form a vital echo. Then, a small note of nutmeg comes to stir our hearts. In the base, we find patchouli and tonka bean which warms and provides staying power. A Cologne that will delight the mixologist hidden in you!
• YMC Eau de Parfum is an androgynous composition, sometimes floral, sometimes spicy! Mandarin and geranium give us this scent of imaginary rose. A trio of spices with tones adds a twist to the creation: saffron, cinnamon and cardamom. Creamy sandalwood warms and envelops this spicy rose, seduced?
