• Satsumas peel and separate easily.satsuma image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
  
  Satsumas, also called Mandarin oranges, are a type of citrus fruit known for having thin, loose skins that are easy to peel, and sweet, tart flesh with sections that separate easily. Originating in Japan, the Satsuma came to the United States in the late 1800s, and has been cultivated commercially as several different cultivars in a number of states, including Texas.
  
  

Owari

• The Owari Satsuma is the original variety that was introduced to the United States in the late 1800s. A slow-growing variety, Owari is medium in size with a drooping crown that spreads. Owari Satsumas are very productive, with a good fruit quality. The flesh is consistently firm with sections that have tough membranes, making the fruit particularly good for canning. The seed count for the fruit can range up to six seeds, although seeds are rarely present in the fruit. The rind is rough and loose. Owari Satsumas ripen between October and December, depending upon the area.
  
  

Kimbrough

• Growing larger than an Owari Satsuma, and with larger fruit, Kimbrough Satsumas are another popular variety grown within Texas. The rind thickness, flesh color, flavor and fruit quantity is comparable to that of a Owari Satsuma fruit. According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension, Kimbrough Satsumas are thought to have better cold tolerance of up to 2 degrees F more than Owari Satumas.
  
  

Okitsu

• Another type of Satsuma found in Texas is the Okitsu. Developed in the 1940s, the tree grows vigorously to large size and produces fruit prolifically. The sugar content of Okitsu Satsumas is especially high. A later variety, Okitsu usually ripens from November to December. The fruit is somewhat flatter, broader and larger than most Satsumas and usually has no seeds.
  
  

Armstrong Early

• A variety of unknown origin, Armstrong Early is similar to Owari and Kimbrough Satsumas in form, flavor, and vigor. However, the fruit ripens a full 30 to 40 days earlier than most other Satsuma varieties. Also, the fruit is somewhat larger than either Kimbrough or Owari Satsumas. Armstrong Early trees are also less cold tolerant than other varieties.