The characteristics and harvest period of the thin-skinned, seedless Satsuma mandarin.
The Satsuma mandarin is one of the most preferred mandarin varieties worldwide, thanks to its thin skin, seedless flesh, and ease of peeling. Originally from Japan, in Turkey harvest generally begins in October, depending on the region, and can continue through December to February; peak harvest falls in November-December.
But the mandarin season is not limited to Satsuma: it opens in late September with very early Satsuma-type varieties like Miho Wase and Okitsu; varieties such as Primasol, Clementine, and Dobashi Beni fill the mid-season; hybrid varieties Nova and Fremont come in during November-December; and W.Murcott along with its seedless mutation Tango close out the season between late winter and spring. This wide varietal range gives mandarin an almost uninterrupted supply window from September through April.
Why Turkish mandarin carries export weight
Turkey ranks among the world's top producer countries for mandarin, according to FAO production data — a position built on exactly this kind of varietal depth rather than a single dominant type. Where a producer with one or two varieties has a narrow harvest window and must compete on price alone during it, a nearly seven-month supply curve lets an exporter offer buyers continuity across an entire season, smoothing out the gaps that a single-variety supplier cannot cover.
The differences between varieties go beyond harvest timing: Satsuma's loose, easy-to-peel skin and soft flesh make it stand out especially in the early season, while W.Murcott's thin skin and high sugar content make it preferred late in the season. Tango gets its seedless trait from a mutation achieved through irradiation, and remains seedless even when grown near other citrus — a quality especially sought after in export markets.
What buyers check on arrival
Under Codex Alimentarius and UNECE marketing standards for citrus, mandarin is graded into Extra, Class I, and Class II quality classes based on external defects, and sized using standardized caliber codes typically spanning roughly 35-78 mm in diameter depending on variety. Buyers importing under these standards expect the grading class and caliber code to be stated on the shipment's documentation alongside its phytosanitary certificate — the size chart and the paperwork travel together.
At MC Sarıkaya Gıda, we put ten different mandarin varieties, including Satsuma, through quality control before supplying them to domestic and export markets. You can visit our Mandarin product page for detailed variety and season information.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Satsuma mandarin harvested in Turkey?
Satsuma mandarin harvest generally begins in October and can continue through December to February depending on the region, with peak harvest in November-December.
What makes Tango mandarin different from other seedless varieties?
Tango is a seedless mutation of W.Murcott produced through irradiation, and it stays seedless even when grown near other citrus varieties.