A new mandarin variety that is red both on the inside and the outside is nearing the end of its development and validation phase, and will soon be ready to be marketed.
Ciqua Levante is known as the breeder of innovative varieties such as the SilkRoad lemon and the CQN42 orange, the world's earliest Navelina. "A few years ago, we started the Ruby Project with the aim of developing citrus fruits with an intense red color, both in the peel and the pulp, using classical breeding without transgenesis, thus guaranteeing their natural origin," says Rubén García, CEO of Ciqua Levante.
One of this project's great achievements has been the red mandarin CQM24, a variety with a high content of anthocyanins, natural pigments with healthy antioxidant properties.
"The CQM24 is a second-season mandarin with a good size that is easy to peel and has a great amount of intense red juice. It also stands out for its flavor, with 12 degrees Brix and a mild, balanced acidity, which makes it very pleasant on the palate," says Rubén García. "Its red color, both in the peel and in the pulp, could turn it into a highly differentiated variety on supermarket shelves."
Conventional mandarin segments next to segments of the CQM24 red mandarin.
In order for this mandarin to acquire its red color, it needs cold nights and mild temperatures during the day. According to Rubén García, the red mandarin's harvesting dates should allow it to hit stores in early February, coinciding with Valentine's Day celebrations.
CQM24 is currently at a very advanced stage of development and validation. "We believe that CQM24 will have great commercial potential and could make a significant impact on the premium citrus market. Its visual appeal, healthy properties, and differentiation make it ideal for a consumer looking for innovative products with functional benefits," says Rubén García. "It also responds to the growing demand for fruit with healthy properties and eye-catching colors, trends that are becoming increasingly important."
Red grapefruit (on the right), next to a conventional orange.
In the framework of the Rubí Project, the company specializing in citrus fruit breeding is developing a line of sweet red grapefruit with anthocyanins, characterized by a high juice content and the absence of furanocoumarins, a substance that should be avoided when taking certain medicines, such as those used to treat hypertension or cancer. "We are also trying to obtain red lemons and oranges with the aim of continuing to expand the range of differentiated citrus fruits with high added value," says the CEO of Ciqua Levante.
For more information:
Rubén García García
Ciqua Levante SL.,
Avenida de la Libertad 6,
Bloque 1 - Entresuelo,
30009 Murcia, Spain
rubengarcia@ciqua.es
ciqua.es