description Kinnu Mandarin Overview
The Kinnow is a citrus mandarin hybrid derived from the King and Willowleaf varieties, grown extensively in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is distinguished by its high juice content, deep orange rind, and a flavor profile that becomes sweeter as the season progresses, though it typically contains a high number of seeds. Kinnow cultivation dominates Pakistan's commercial citrus industry, particularly around the Sargodha district, and the fruit serves as a primary agricultural export for the country.
insights Ranking position
Kinnu Mandarin ranks #63 of 152 in the Citrus Fruit ranking, behind Kinnow Mandarin, ahead of Citron.
help Kinnu Mandarin FAQ
Where is the Kinnow mandarin primarily grown?
The Kinnow is grown extensively in the Punjab province of Pakistan and in the neighboring Indian state of Punjab. Pakistani Punjab, in particular, exports large volumes of Kinnow each season, especially to the Middle East and Central Asia. The variety was developed in California but found its largest commercial success in South Asia.
What varieties were crossed to create the Kinnow?
The Kinnow is a hybrid of the King mandarin (Citrus nobilis) and the Willowleaf mandarin (Citrus deliciosa). It was bred by H. B. Frost at the University of California Citrus Experiment Station in Riverside and released in 1935. The name "Kinnow" comes from a Punjabi word meaning "orange-like fruit."
How many seeds does a Kinnow mandarin typically contain?
A Kinnow typically contains a relatively high number of seeds—often 12 or more per fruit. This is one of its main drawbacks compared to newer seedless mandarin varieties such as the Afourer or Clemenules. Breeders in Pakistan and India have subsequently worked to develop lower-seed lines.
When is the Kinnow season in Pakistan?
The main Kinnow harvest in Pakistani Punjab runs roughly from December through March, peaking in January and February. Fruit is picked at full color and packed for both domestic markets and export. Cold-chain infrastructure has extended the export window in recent years.
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