Mandarins in August: Good Quality
August mandarins are still very good — late-season Afourer and Honey Murcott.
When Are Mandarins in Season in Australia?
Australian mandarin season runs from April through September, peaking in May, June and July. Mandarins are the quintessential Australian winter fruit — they're affordable, vitamin C-rich, and the easy-peel skin makes them a perfect snack. Multiple varieties extend the season from early Imperial through to late-season Afourer.
Australian Mandarin Varieties
- Imperial: Classic Australian mandarin — loose, easy peel, sweet and juicy. First of the season. Apr–Jun.
- Murcott (Honey): Tighter skin, very sweet, slightly flatter shape. Mid-season favourite. May–Jul.
- Afourer (W. Murcott): Seedless, tight skin, intensely sweet. The best-flavoured mandarin. Jun–Aug.
- Daisy: Large, easy peel, mild sweet flavour. Good for kids. May–Jul.
- Satsuma: Very loose skin, mild sweet flavour, earliest variety. Apr–May.
How to Pick the Sweetest Mandarin
- Heavy for size: More juice = heavier weight. Lift several and choose the most substantial.
- Deep orange colour: Fully orange skin (no green patches) indicates maturity and higher sugar content.
- Firm but not hard: Should have a slight give. Very hard mandarins are underripe.
- Fragrant: A sweet citrus fragrance means peak ripeness.
Mandarin Nutrition
Two mandarins (148g): 86 calories, 22g carbs, 3g fibre, vitamin C (52% DV), vitamin A, folate and flavonoids. Mandarins contain tangeretin and nobiletin — citrus flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties unique to the mandarin family.
Try These Mandarin Recipes
Where Do Australian Mandarins Grow?
Australian mandarins are grown across several regions, each with a slightly different harvest window:
| Region | Season | Main Varieties | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland (Gayndah, Mundubbera, Emerald) | Apr–Jul | Imperial, Murcott | The largest mandarin-growing region in Australia. Queensland's warmer climate means earlier harvest. |
| New South Wales (Riverina, Griffith) | May–Sep | Imperial, Afourer, Daisy | Cooler climate extends the season later into spring. Known for intense flavour. |
| South Australia (Riverland) | Jun–Sep | Afourer, Murcott | Later-season supply from cooler growing conditions. |
| Victoria (Sunraysia) | Jun–Sep | Afourer, Imperial | Latest-harvesting region, extending mandarin season into early spring. |
This regional spread means mandarins are available from April through September, with Queensland starting the season and Victoria and SA finishing it.
How to Store Mandarins
Short-term storage
Mandarins keep well at room temperature for 3–4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in the crisper drawer — they'll last 1–2 weeks with minimal quality loss. Unlike oranges, mandarins don't benefit from being left at room temperature to "ripen" — they don't get sweeter after picking.
Can you freeze mandarins?
Yes — peel and segment mandarins, remove any seeds, and freeze segments in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Frozen mandarin segments are great for smoothies and desserts. The texture changes (they become softer) but the flavour is preserved.
Mandarin glut?
If you have more mandarins than you can eat, here are 12 ways to use a mandarin glut — from marmalade to marinades.
Mandarin Health Benefits (Expanded)
- Vitamin C: Two mandarins provide 52% of your daily vitamin C — supporting immune function, collagen production and iron absorption.
- Tangeretin & nobiletin: Unique citrus flavonoids found primarily in mandarins. Laboratory studies suggest they may help lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation.
- Synephrine: A natural compound in mandarin peel that may help relieve congestion and support metabolism.
- Fibre: 3g per two mandarins — supports digestion and helps regulate blood sugar.
- Low calorie: At just 43 calories per mandarin, they're one of the most nutrient-dense snacks available.
The peel is also valuable — mandarin zest contains concentrated essential oils and flavonoids. Grate the zest into baked goods, marinades or tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mandarins are in season in Australia from April to September, peaking in May, June and July. Queensland starts the season in April, while Victoria and South Australia extend it into September.
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