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