Not just any old mandarin, a Nijumaru mandarin

There is a brand of mandarin in Japan called "Nijumaru". The name was coined to imply 'a perfect score'. The "nijuu" means twenty or double, depending on context, and the maru is a circle, but it can also mean correct or the perfect score. Saga Prefecture chose the name to convey that their oranges are "double good / perfect score" oranges! 

What makes Nijūmaru particularly interesting is the amount of time and care that went in to creating it. Saga’s agricultural team spent more than twenty years developing this new citrus, aiming for something that felt like a “double circle”—a perfect score in every category. The fruit is known for its refreshing aroma, juicy pop, and a balance of sweetness and acidity that makes it genuinely satisfying to eat. It’s also easy to peel, which is always a bonus.

As February 10th in short in Japan is 2/10, and "nijumaru" can be written as 2-10-0, Saga Prefecture chose February 10th as Nijumaru Day にじゅうまるの日. Please note, the oranges pictured in this post are not the Nijumaru brand. Have you ever tried a Nijumaru orange?