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Those Little Cuties!

cuties clementines


I’m sure you’ve seen them! Cuties® are little mandarin oranges that are a popular sight in winter months. They can actually be two different kinds of mandarins, depending on the month. I checked their website and learned the following information:

 

Cuties can be either of the two varieties of Mandarin oranges: Clementine Mandarins, available November through January, and Murcott Mandarins, available February through April. They are seedless, super sweet, easy to peel and kid-sized.

That also explains why the size is not always identical. Lately, I was surprised to see a television commercial for Cuties. How rare is that … a paid advertisement for a piece of fruit! Great news and a nice break from fast food ads! The other piece of good news is that the ads are focused on Cuties as a great snack for kids. As we all know, kids in this country eat too few fruits and vegetables. Hats off to Cuties marketing team for helping to promote kids eating fruit! The fact that mandarins are small and easy to peel, makes them kid friendly for sure, whether they are this particular Cuties brand or not.

If you’re like me, without kids around, don’t let that stop you. They’re a favorite at our house, even as empty nesters. What got me excited about these tiny oranges is that they taste great and they’re easy! I’ve always loved the canned mandarin oranges, but these are so much better. Plus, I’m always looking for portable yummy fruit, especially in the winter. I like navel oranges, but just don’t get excited about peeling them, especially if I’m working. I peel 2-3 Cuties at a time, and take them to my desk to eat mid-morning, but they’re great anytime. I also like the fact that when I purchase a bag, I’ve got at least 12 servings to look forward to (I would say it takes at least 2 cuties to make a full-cup serving of fruit). If you haven’t tried these little Cuties yet, now is your chance. They are available through April, and then…I guess we wait until November!
 

 

clementines in bowl

 

 

by AJDiet on 02/20/2013 | Share Story With a Friend

tags: Recipes, kids, mommy blog

About the Author

Anne Jones

Anne came to HMR as a health educator in 1990. Since that time Anne has worked with the development team for the HMR at Home Program and provides support to HMR programs as an account manager and trainer. Anne is an avid walker and also loves to explore low calorie cooking.

Comments (6) Post a comment
I haven't tried freezing them yet - sounds delish!!
by AJDiet on 03/10/2013
They are great in a vanilla shake too! You can even freeze them and use them in a shake to make it thicker.
by LJMslim on 03/05/2013
I'm going to look out for these cuties when I go food shopping this weekend! I love oranges, but totally agree that peeling them can be a pain sometimes--and a little messy!
by sailGirl on 02/14/2012
Hi Anne! My granddaughter LOVES these little guys. The first time I brought them to her, she told me that she didn't like oranges. I said, "These aren't oranges, they're Cuties." That did it. She tried them and got hooked. Her mom loves it because she can peel them for herself.
by PeggyatHMC on 02/14/2012
It is easy for certain fruits and veggies to fall off the radar - especially if they are seasonal. Just think of all the vitamin C you'll be adding to your diet with these little cuties! I just stocked up myself.
by AJDiet on 02/14/2012
Thanks Anne! These use to be a daily part of my routine, not sure why they fell out, I loved them! Lately I've been eating more fruits and/or veggies for the health benefits (in addition to the weight benefitss). I remember reading that oranges help prevent stroke. In any case, they'll be on my shopping list next trip.
by Chrissy78 on 02/14/2012