22/12/2013
Kinnow?Orange
The kinnow is a variety of citrus fruit cultivated extensively in Punjab region. It is a hybrid of two citrus cultivars — "King" (Citrus nobilis) x "Willow Leaf" (Citrus deliciosa).
In 1940, Punjab Agriculture College and Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan, introduced the kinnow. It has become an important variety in the Punjab province of Pakistan, occupying a major part of the area under cultivation for fruit crops.
The kinnow fruit is large and orange, with 12 to 25 seeds and a globular shape. It matures in January or February. This "easy peel" citrus has assumed special economic importance and export demand due to its high juice content, special flavour, and as a rich source of vitamin C. The factors which have contributed to the success of this fruit are its beautiful golden-orange colour (a major asset from a marketing viewpoint), its abundant juice, and its excellent aroma and taste. Its trees are highly productive; it is not uncommon to find 1000 fruits per tree.
Food processing includes the selection of good-quality mandarins. The ideal kinnow is firm to slightly soft, smooth-skinned with no deep grooves, and deep orange to almost red. Human hands can better judge and avoid product with soft spots, dull and faded coloring or rough and bumpy skin. Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana, Punjab has developed new technologies for obtaining higher yields of better quality fruits under the conditions of Indian Punjab. These fruits can be stored at room temperature conditions or under cold storage conditions.
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