Score the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrape out the pulp
Bring the milk, lemon zest, salt, vanilla pod and vanilla pulp to the boil in a high pot. Stir in rice and sugar and bring everything to the boil. Cover the rice pudding and let it swell at low heat for 30-35 minutes. Stir the rice occasionally so that it does not set
Drain the mandarins well in a sieve and collect the juice
Remove lemon zest and vanilla pod from the rice. Let the rice cool completely. Stir in 5-6 tbsp. mandarin juice
Fill 4 dessert bowls with vanilla milk rice. Spread the mandarins on top. Decorate as you like with lemon balm and orange spiral