Satsumas Arrive to Fight Flu

Media Release
For Immediate Release
Tuesday 8 May

Satsumas Arrive to Fight Flu

The highly anticipated Satsuma mandarin season has begun with a bumper crop – just what the doctor ordered as winter sets in.

The season launch follows controversy around vitamin C and the best sources to meet daily requirements, but the New Zealand Citrus Growers Incorporation assures consumers there’s no question about vitamin C in Satsumas.

“Satsuma mandarins are a natural source of vitamin C and other essential nutrients, they're an important part of a 5+ A Day diet, and they’re perfect for kid’s packed lunches because they don’t bruise easily, they’re ready to go, and most importantly they taste delicious,” says Nikki Johnson, executive manager of New Zealand Citrus Growers Inc.

"With the cold and flu season on its way this is an important time to make sure everyone is getting enough vitamin C in their diet. Satsuma mandarins are a good way to do this, and it’s easy to get kids eating fruit when it tastes as good as New Zealand grown mandarins," Nikki says.

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Milan in Italy, and supported by scientists from other international organisations, has shown eating fruits rich in vitamin C is more beneficial for health than consuming the nutrient through tablets or other supplements.

The 2007 season looks set to be an excellent harvest, with large numbers of good sized fruit from orchards in Northland and Gisborne – but the season only lasts a few months so consumers should make the most of the fruit now.

Satsumas, an easy peel, seedless variety of mandarin named after the Satsuma region of Japan, bring a taste of summer just as winter settles in.

ENDS

www.citrus.co.nz

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