They're always good in California. What's been spectacular are the goldenberries.

Just a sec. Mandarins, clementines, and the like are grown and (usually) quite good in their native state (CA) and elsewhere but the season hasn't started yet. Usually mid-Fall into the Spring is when to expect them.

The last few bags I bought were okay (not more than that) and were from Chile. Southern Hemisphere = opposite timing of seasons. Perhaps of a lower quality because of longer travel time after being harvested.

Yes, it seems much too early for them.

Still too early. Here they're called satsumas.

https://www.businessreport.com/business/saltwater-intrusion-threatens-louisiana-citrus-growers

there's always someone ... I don't care where they come from. They have been good; not flavorless and dry ...

All satsumas are mandarins but not all mandarins are satsumas.

I’m in Florida. In a bag purchased last week from Publix, the fruit was old and dry. This week’s purchase from Sprouts they are excellent. I didn’t check place of orgin from either.

It's about a month too early for US grown mandarins. What is being sold now are South American imports. Depending on supplier, they might be good or they might not. Personally, nothing compares to the fresh crop of California Satsumas. I am SO looking forward to them!!

Mine have been blah and rotted quickly, as well!

" I don't care where they come from. "

As you've seen from the responses, it's not so much a matter of caring where they come from but learning the place of origin to know if a) a fresh product not too far away, and b) if in season. Your comment suggests you care about quality, getting produce you'll find satisfactory does take a bit more attention than buying a can or bottle from a shelf. Buying items at the peak of their seasonality results in better quality, no matter what.

IDK their origin, but I was surprised to find seeds in a few of the clementines I bought. (Not every one in the bag, just some.)