Lukan Oranges
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Lukan oranges vary in size, depending on growing conditions, and average 7 to 8 centimeters in diameter. The variety bears a round, oval, or oblate shape and is known for its wrinkled skin, showcasing folds around the stem. Lukan oranges have slightly glossy, dark orange to red-orange skin. The skin is textured, bumpy, and thin, covered in sunken oil glands. These glands release fragrant oils when the skin is peeled, and the skin can be easily removed by hand from the flesh. Underneath the surface, the dark orange flesh is divided into 8 to 12 segments by thin membranes and has a dense, firm, and chewy consistency. The flesh also envelops a few ivory to cream-colored seeds or may be found seedless. There may be a hollow cavity in the center of the flesh, where the segments have separated due to the nature of the fruit. Lukan oranges are aromatic and release a bright, fruity, and floral scent. The variety is edible raw once ripe and is mostly sweet with low acidity, creating a refreshing, mild, and mellow flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Lukan oranges are available in Asia from winter through early spring, typically between November and March.
Current Facts
Lukan oranges, botanically classified as Citrus reticulata, are a Chinese variety belonging to the Rutaceae or citrus family. The oranges grow on evergreen trees reaching three meters in height and are cultivated as fresh-eating fruit. Lukan oranges are well-known throughout Asia for their mild and sweet flesh and tender nature. The variety is easy to peel and segment, making it a favored mandarin variety for commercial markets and retailers. Lukan oranges are produced on a large scale for sale throughout East and Southeast Asia as a premium variety and are sought by consumers for gifting and as an ingredient in sweet and savory culinary dishes.
Nutritional Value
Lukan oranges have not been extensively studied for their nutritional properties. Mandarin oranges, in general, are a source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract and vitamins A, B, C, and E to maintain healthy organs, strengthen the immune system, guard cells against free radical damage, and contribute to energy production. Oranges also provide varying amounts of minerals, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and zinc. These minerals help the body produce proteins for oxygen transport in the bloodstream, regulate nerve function, maintain fluid balance, build red blood cells, and support bone and tooth development. In Asian natural medicines, oranges are consumed for their cooling properties, believed to help remove heat from the body. Orange peels are also dried and consumed as tea to help lower blood pressure or infused into white wine for several weeks to lessen phlegm in the lungs.
Applications
Lukan oranges have a sweet, mild, and acidic taste, suited for both fresh and cooked culinary preparations. The variety is customarily consumed out of hand and savored for its firm yet tender flesh and easy-to-peel skin. Lukan oranges are also segmented for green and fruit salads, diced as a fresh topping over yogurt and main dishes, or incorporated into grain bowls. The juice from the flesh is extracted and added to salad dressings and marinades, or the oranges are blended into smoothies for additional sweetness and fiber. In addition to raw preparations, Lukan oranges are simmered into jams, marmalades, and syrups. They are also baked into cakes and added to various desserts, such as tarts, jellies, and custards. Try blending and freezing oranges into homemade sorbet or ice cream. Lukan oranges also have a firmer texture, making them suitable for stir-fries, noodles, or rice dishes. In Singapore, Lukan oranges are added to seafood plates and are segmented and tossed into lo hei, a famous tossed dish served during Lunar New Year celebrations. Beyond the flesh, the peel can be used to flavor porridges, soups, and other savory dishes. The peels are also sometimes candied as a chewy snack or dried for use in tea. Lukan oranges pair well with herbs like coriander, parsley, mint, and basil, nuts such as almonds, pine, and walnuts, and spices, including cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. Whole, unopened Lukan oranges will keep for a few days at room temperature or for 1 to 2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Lukan oranges are one of the most popular mandarin varieties given as gifts during the Lunar New Year in Singapore. The variety is favored for its mild flavor and refreshing nature, a fruit believed to have cooling properties to help combat Singapore’s warm climate. The tradition of giving mandarin oranges as gifts during the Lunar New Year originated in China and has continued in Singapore, where Lukan oranges are believed to symbolize prosperity and good fortune. Mandarins are gifted to friends, family, and business contacts, and exchanging the fruit is done in pairs, as even numbers are considered lucky. Mandarins are also given with both hands as a sign of respect. During the Lunar New Year, Lukan oranges are widely found in ornate gift boxes in department and grocery stores throughout Singapore. The most well-known type of Lukan is the Yong Chun Lukan, an orange grown in Yong Chun County, Fujian Province, China. These mandarins arose in the mid-20th century and were selected for commercial cultivation for their appearance, flavor, aroma, and texture. Yong Chun Lukans are often sold in Singapore as a distinct mandarin variety from general Lukans, as the fruits are considered a premium orange available in limited quantities.
Geography/History
Lukan oranges are native to China and are believed to have origins in the Fujian Province. Much of the variety’s early history is unknown. Mandarins in the Fujian Province became popular during the Tang Dynasty, 618 to 907 CE, and over time, many varieties were developed through cultivation. These varieties also expanded in production as they increased in notoriety throughout Asia. Today, Lukan oranges are a popular variety in China, primarily grown in the provinces of Fujian and Guangdong. The oranges thrive in subtropical regions and are sold domestically in local markets and through retailers and wholesalers. Lukan oranges are also commercially produced in China for export. The variety is sent to retailers in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other select Southeast Asian countries. The Lukan oranges featured in the photograph above were sourced from Cold Storage in the Great World Mall in Singapore.
