Green Mandarin
A Story of Innovation
The mandarin tree( Citrus reticulata) is native to southeastern Asia and the Philippines. By 1850, the plant had been established in southern Italy after being introduced there and was thriving in its new environment. As many settlers from Italy began moving to southern Brazil they found that the soil and growing conditions were very favorable for growing several varieties of citrus trees, just like their native Italy. Thousands of European immigrants had found a beautiful place to call home in Southern Brazil. Such is the story for one family that has played a critical role in growing and expanding Green Mandarin production in Brazil.
Keeping Traditions Alive
Enzo, a Sicilian native, moved to Brazil in the 1970s while in his early twenties. One of the key things that Enzo brought to Brazil was a love for and expertise in growing citrus trees and processing them for essential oils. He learned this craft while working with his father and grandfather in the family citrus business in Sicily. Enzo represents the fourth generation to carry on the family traditions and expertise in citrus essential oil production. Even today some of Enzo’ s fondest memories harken back to the days when, as a very young boy, he would spend time with his grandfather in the citrus groves and factory.
Enzo is a key pioneer in citrus essential oil production in Brazil. A mandarin tree needs to be thinned heavily while the fruit is still young and unripe. Approximately 60 – 70 percent of the unripe fruit is removed in this thinning process. Historically, this green, unripe fruit had been left on the ground, later to decompose and become organic matter.
6 / FALL 2018 LIVING MAGAZINE