Nuclem Clementine

Nuclem Clementine

(Citrus unshiu x Citrus clementina 'Nuclem')

Documented by Léo — grown in the ground, USDA zone 8b

The Nuclem Clementine (Citrus unshiu × Citrus clementina 'Nuclem') is a modern hybrid between the satsuma and the clementine, created to combine superior hardiness with the flavor quality of the clementine. Its hardiness reaches 14°F (−10°C) on the tree, making it suitable for planting in the ground in USDA zones 8a to 8b. The tree grows 7 to 13 ft (2 to 4 m) tall with a rounded habit, evergreen foliage and fragrant white flowers in spring. Its bright orange, small fruits (1.8 to 2.1 oz, or 50 to 60 g), with thin, very easy-to-peel skin and a few seeds, ripen in December and January with juicy, sweet, low-acid, fragrant flesh, a flavor quality superior to the classic satsuma. Excellent fresh, as juice and in sorbet. Ideal for anyone who wants a clementine in a temperate climate that is less Mediterranean. Graft onto Poncirus trifoliata, plant against a south-facing wall, in well-drained soil.

Identity

OriginUnited States

Genetic originHybrid of Satsuma Unshiu × Clementine

USDA zone8a

Cold hardiness14°F (−10°C)

Fruit cold hardiness27°F (−3°C)

GrowthVigorous

Height13 ft (4 m)

HarvestJanuary, November, December

SeedsFew

UsesFresh eating, Juice

FlavorsBalanced, Highly aromatic

History & Description

Origin

The Nuclem Clementine is an American hybrid from a cross between the Satsuma Unshiu, a Japanese mandarin tree famous for its legendary hardiness, and the Clementine, a Mediterranean mandarin of great flavor quality. This cross was developed in the United States to obtain a clementine able to withstand the cold winters of California and Texas while keeping the aromatic profile typical of clementines. The name Nuclem, a contraction of "new clementine," underlines its identity as a clementine modernized by the addition of satsuma. Distributed in France by specialist nurseries such as Vessières, it remains a rare variety, appreciated by collectors for its double geographic heritage. It embodies the successful marriage of Japanese hardiness and Mediterranean flavor sophistication.

Tree description

The tree is vigorous and productive, reaching about 13 ft (4 m) tall at maturity, with dense, evergreen, lanceolate foliage in a light green shade characteristic of its satsuma heritage. The abundant, fragrant white spring bloom is followed by regular fruiting that spreads over several weeks. Growth is steady, with early fruiting as soon as the second or third year. The semi-upright habit is well balanced for growing in the ground or in a container.

Fruit quality

The fruit is a small orange clementine of 1.8 to 2.1 oz (50 to 60 g), with thin skin that peels easily. The flesh is bright orange, very aromatic and juicy, with a few seeds. The taste offers a fine sugar-acid balance that gradually softens over several weeks of ripening on the tree. The fragrance combines the tart freshness of the clementine with the typical sweetness of the satsuma, creating a flavor complexity superior to both parents.

Flavor and ornamental interest

A high-quality fruit for eating out of hand, to be enjoyed fresh between November and January to take advantage of its flavor evolution. Its clear, fragrant juice suits cold drinks and sorbets. Its hardiness at 14°F (−10°C) allows planting in the ground in zone 8a, extending the growing of clementine trees to regions traditionally too cold for this group. As an ornamental, the tree loaded with small orange clementines in early winter offers a warm spectacle in the garden.