Jeju Citrus Takes On Imported Mandarins... 68.9% Choose Cheonhyehyang

Jeju-grown premium citrus variety Cheonhyehyang recorded more than double the consumer preference of imported mandarin oranges, once again proving the quality competitiveness of Jeju citrus.
The Jeju International Citrus Expo Organizing Committee, chaired by Ko Moonsam, announced that it held a "Jeju Cheonhyehyang Tasting Event" on February 27 at the music fountain plaza near Saeyeongyo Bridge in Seogwipo City. At the event, consumers compared Jeju Cheonhyehyang with imported mandarin oranges in a side-by-side tasting.
A total of 325 people took part in the event. In the vote, Jeju Cheonhyehyang received 224 votes (68.9%), showing a higher preference than imported mandarin oranges, which received 101 votes (31.1%).
For the tasting evaluation, participants sampled both fruits and then placed a sticker on the variety they preferred. The imported mandarin oranges used for comparison were introduced at the venue as "Onju gamgyul" (satsuma mandarins). This was intended to enable an objective comparison focused on quality factors such as taste, aroma, and texture.
Participants gave high marks to Cheonhyehyang for its balance of sweetness and acidity, rich fragrance, and soft flesh. Some also commented that the flavor of the imported mandarin oranges was closer to that of an orange, making it feel somewhat unfamiliar.
Ko Moonsam, head of the organizing committee, said, "Through these two tasting events, we have confirmed both the competitiveness of Jeju citrus and the trust of consumers," adding, "As long as we maintain product quality, we will be able to respond adequately to changes in the market."
Earlier, at the first tasting event held on January 20 at Hueree Natural Park, three Jeju premium citrus varieties—Redeuhyang, Hallabong, and Sun-eat—also received higher evaluations than imported mandarin oranges.
The Jeju Citrus Expo opens every year on the third Thursday of November. This year’s event is scheduled to take place from November 19 to 23 at the Seogwipo Agricultural Technology Center.

jyb@fnnews.com Jung Yong-bok Reporter