Over the last few weeks, I have become a huge fan of California Cuties - otherwise known as clementines or California mandarins. Actually, California Cuties are two varieties of mandarins: Clementine mandarins and Murcott mandarins. And NO, they are not just little oranges! They have so many qualities that make them a great snack and these are just a few of my favorites:
Great Taste: The #1 reason I like them is the taste - they are super sweet! You don't get that "pucker" that you often get when eating other citrus fruits.
Easy to Peel: Another plus that is high on the list is that they are so easy to peel. The skin is naturally loose, so it peels off in a jiffy. That's one thing that really annoys me about oranges and why I usually end up cutting those into slices and eating them off the peel. With cuties the skin comes right off and it doesn't leave all that white pulp on the outside either. Actually, even little kids can peel Cuties all by themselves.
Seed Free: How about this one - they are seed free! To keep them seed-free, Cuties are protected from cross-pollination and tested at harvest. (Their web site says that an occasional seed might slip by, but I haven't seen one yet.)
Nutrition: As far as snacks go, it's hard to beat Cuties. A serving size of 2 cuties (I usually eat just one, but a serving size is actually 2) has just 80 calories and .5 grams of fat. They are bursting with 290% of your daily vitamin C as well as more vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients. A serving also has 4 grams of fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full and maintaining a healthy diet.
Cuties are available in either a 3-lb bag or a 5-lb box. I first started out buying them by the bag, but we go through them so quickly that I moved up to the box. What really surprised me is how much my husband has taken to Cuties. He is NOT a fruit eater (or vegetable eater either for that matter). He is never one to voluntarily take a piece of fruit from the fridge or add vegetables to a meal. But, believe it or not, he has started to take Cuties with him to work every day as a mid-day snack. It's a Miracle!!
Giveaway: Last week I contacted Cuties to tell them I wanted to write a post about them and asked about a giveaway for Jinxy Knows Best readers. They responded enthusiastically and have offered the chance for 3 of you to each win a coupon for a free 5 lb box of Cuties. To enter, you must be a follower of Jinxy Knows Best. Just fill out the simple entry form below.
Rules: All entries must be received by 11:59 PM CST 2/2/10. One entry per person, except for extra entries (see below). Entrants must be at least 18 years old and reside within the United States. Winner must respond to the winning e-mail within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected.
Extra entries: You can receive up to 4 extra entries for doing any of these things. Just be sure to indicate on the form what you have done.
- Subscribe to Jinxy Knows Best updates via e-mail or RSS feed (see upper right corner).
- Vote for Thrifty Jinxy in G4M's Web's Top Giveaway Blog Contest.
- Tweet about this giveaway using: RT @ThriftyJinxy Enter the Jinxy Knows Best #giveaway to win a Five Pound Box of Cuties from @cutiescitrus http://bit.ly/7LMpgY - Please RT
- Follow @cutiescitrus on Twitter.
I am so addicted to Cuties.Bought some Clemmentines(from Spain) at the grocery store last week thinking they would be the same(boy was I ever wrong!) and had to give them away. They dont even compare to Cuties.Spanish ones are sour, had seeds and dont have the great taste. Went searching today for my Cuties and bought 6 pounds.I love them!
ReplyDeleteThese remind me of my grandfather. He was a huge fan of Cuties...only fruit you buy by the box.
ReplyDeletethanks so much for posting this giveaway. I have sent you an email with my address.
ReplyDelete