Mandarins.com.au Buying Guide
Buying Guide

Mandarins in July (Australia)

Mandarins in July in Australia: Imperial winds down, Hickson and Daisy fill the mid-season, and the first Honey Murcott appears late in the month.

By Mandarins.com.au Editorial Updated 1 June 2026

July is the mid-season changeover for Australian mandarins. Late Imperial mandarin overlaps with Hickson and Daisy, and the first Honey Murcott fruit appears at the end of the month in good seasons. Variety labelling at supermarkets is often vague at this point, so check the look and feel rather than the bag label.

What’s in season

  1. Late Imperial mandarin: supply tails off through July, fruit can be sweeter and slightly puffier.
  2. Hickson mandarin: full season, tighter skin, slightly more seeds than Imperial, good for fresh eating and juice.
  3. Daisy mandarin: small to medium volumes, Tahitian rootstock heritage, popular with home growers.
  4. First Honey Murcott mandarin: appears late July, much juicier, more seeds, the late season favourite for marmalade.

Where it’s coming from

Queensland’s Central Burnett continues, but Sunraysia, Riverland, Riverina and Western Australia (Carnarvon) supply lifts. See mandarin growing regions.

What to buy

If a recipe calls for juice or a strong sweet mandarin flavour, look for Honey Murcott late in the month. If a recipe calls for easy peeling and low seed (children’s snacks, lunchboxes), Imperial is still the answer while it lasts.

What to cook

July is the start of marmalade season. Save the peel from any Honey Murcott for the marmalade rather than tossing it. July is also a good month for mandarin cakes and mandarin curds once Honey Murcott appears.