Where did the small, tasty citrus fruit clementines originate?

vene	Although the story goes that they were accidental hybrids discovered in the garden of a priest called Clément Rodier, other facts point to the conclusion that they came from China. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clementine Jul 09 08, 8:03 AM

zbeckabee

The origin of clementines is shrouded in mystery. Some attribute their discovery to father Clement, a monk in Algeria, who tending his mandarin garden in the orphanage of Misserghim, found a natural mutation. He nurtured the fruit tree and subsequently called it "clementino". Others, like Japanese botanist Tanaka, believe that clementines must have originated in Asia and found their way through human migration to the Mediterranean. Whatever their origin, the fact is that clementines found their natural climate and soil in Spain, where they developed their particular aroma, sweetness and taste. Commercial production of clementines began in Spain in 1925. Today there are 161,000 acres dedicated to the cultivation of clementines. Clementines were first brought to the United States in 1982. Knowledgeable industry people soon recognized them as a fruit with great market potential. Nevertheless, it took 10 years of persistence, imagination and plan hard work to make this latecomer of the citrus family the undisputed citrus choice of children and adults alike. http://www.producepete.com/shows/clementines.html Jul 09 08, 3:01 PM

jk18	Believed to originate somewhere in Asia. http://parkandshop.blogspot.com/2004_12_19_archive.html Jul 10 08, 1:11 PM