Cultivation and Harvesting:
Mandarin is a native of southeastern Asia and the Philippines. Mandarin varieties are usually grouped into some horticultural categories and these are Citrus reticulate, Citrus nobilis, Citrus deliciosa, Citrus unshiu. Mandarins are grown in the tropical/subtropical region and the main Mandarin-producing countries are Argentina, Brazil, India, China, Egypt, Spain, Japan, Iran, Italy, Mexico, USA Thailand, and Turkey.

In Asia, it is most abundantly grown in Japan, southern China, and India. Mandarin is one of the important horticultural crops, grown mainly in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Assam, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

Mandarin is a small evergreen tree growing up to 4 to 6 meters in height. Citrus reticulate is distinguished from other citrus species because of its loose skin of the fruits and the tree is more erect than other kinds of citrus tree.

The Common method of essential oil extraction is the cold pressing of Mandarin rind (peel). Mandarin is a group name for a class of oranges with a thin, loose peel. Essential oil content 2 to 3%

Odor profile:
Sweet and citrusy

Major Constituents:
Limonene, Pinene, Terpinene, Myrcene, carene, Limonene oxide, Cymene and farnesene.

Application:
~ Mandarin essential oil is used for making a variety of fragrances for soaps, detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and fine fragrances for spray and deodorant perfume.
~ Mandarin essential oil is very mild used for its healing properties for example oil is useful in helping brightening skin, reduce insomnia, minimize stress, treat acne, reduce wrinkles, vanish the appearance of scars and age spots.

Aromatherapy:
Mandarin oil has a mild antispasmodic effect which makes it useful for relaxing muscle spasms, and when massaged on the abdomen helps to relieve dyspepsia and gastritis.