30 Juicy and Nutritious Tangerine Facts You Should Know

Tangerines are sweet, delicious citrus fruits that make a refreshing snack or addition to recipes. With their bright orange color, tangy taste, and a burst of nutrition, tangerines have a lot to offer. This article will explore 30 interesting facts about tangerines so you can learn all about this healthy food.

Introduction

Tangerines are one of the most popular varieties of mandarin oranges. They have a thin, bright orange peel and sweet, juicy segments inside. Tangerines are in season during the winter months, making them a refreshing treat during colder times of the year.

While tangerines may look like small oranges, they are actually unique in many ways. From their nutrition profile to their origin and optimal uses, tangerines have their own distinct set of properties. Below are 30 in-depth facts to discover fascinating details about these delicious citrus fruits.

Nutrition Facts

Tangerines are an excellent source of vitamin C. One tangerine provides 32% of your daily recommended vitamin C, with 26.7 mg per fruit. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and helps boost your immune system.
They also contain the antioxidant vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. Tangerines have more vitamin A than oranges – 4% daily value per fruit. Vitamin A keeps your skin, eyes, and organs healthy.
A single tangerine offers 3% of your daily fiber, with 1.8 grams per fruit. Fiber is important for digestion, heart health, and controlling blood sugar levels. The peel contains even more fiber than the juicy insides.
Tangerines provide potassium, with 166 mg per fruit. Potassium helps balance fluids in the body, supports nerve signaling, and maintains normal blood pressure.
They are also a natural source of folate. One tangerine has 16 mcg of folate or 4% of the daily recommendation. Folate is key for preventing birth defects and producing new cells.
Tangerines contain the antioxidant flavonoids tangeretin and nobiletin. These compounds may help fight inflammation, tumors, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Health Benefits

Eating tangerines may boost your immune system thanks to the vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants they provide. Vitamin C directly helps immune cells function properly.
Tangerines may support heart health by providing fiber, potassium, folate, and antioxidants to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. The flavonoids may also relax blood vessels.
Consuming tangerines may improve digestion and prevent constipation thanks to their fiber and water content. Fiber adds bulk to stool and draws water into the colon to keep you regular.
The beta-carotene and antioxidant flavonoids in tangerines can help maintain healthy skin. Vitamin A keeps skin tissues strong, while antioxidants fight wrinkle-causing free radicals.
Tangerines may enhance eye health due to the vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants they contain. These compounds prevent macular degeneration and reduce the risk of vision issues.

Taste and Texture

Tangerines have a sweet, tart, tangy taste that provides a burst of flavor. They contain moderate sugar levels with 10.6 grams per fruit.
They have a bright orange color that indicates high concentrations of beta-carotene. Darker-colored tangerines tend to be sweeter.
Tangerines are one of the smallest mandarin orange varieties, with an average diameter of 2-3 inches. Clementines are even smaller.
They have a smooth, thin peel that is easy to remove. There is little bitter white pith beneath the exterior rind.
Inside, tangerines contain 10-12 segments that separate easily. Each section has juicy flesh filled with nutrients and sweet nectar.

Origins and Varieties

Tangerines are thought to have originated in Southeast Asia, likely in China or Japan. They were brought to Europe through the port of Tangiers, Morocco.
There are over a hundred different varieties of tangerines. Popular types include Clementine, Satsuma, Honey, and Pixie varieties.
Clementines are the smallest type of tangerine and are seedless. They are sometimes crossed with other citrus fruits to make hybrids.
Honey tangerines are very sweet and get their name from their honey-like flavor. They have reddish-orange skin that is easy to peel.
Pixie tangerines are a petite variety that looks like a mini orange. They are tender, juicy, and contain few seeds.

Cultivation and Production

Tangerines thrive in subtropical regions with warm weather but cool winters. They are grown in Florida, Texas, California, and parts of Arizona.
China produces 60% of the world’s tangerines, around 25 million tons each year. Spain, Turkey, and Morocco are also major producers.
In the U.S., Florida ranks second in tangerine production after California. Popular Florida varieties include Sunbursts, Murcotts, and Fallglos.
Tangerine trees can grow 15-20 feet tall but are smaller than most orange trees. The branches have thin, pointed leaves.
Tangerines ripen on the tree from October to January in the Northern Hemisphere. Peak harvest is between mid-November and December.

Uses in Food and Other Products

People often eat fresh tangerines as a snack or use them to make salads, salsas, baked goods, and jams. Juice them to make refreshing drinks.
The peel can be used fresh, candied, or dried as a flavoring agent in cooking. Add it to baked goods, teas, and marinades.
Tangerine oil extracted from the skin is used in aromatherapy, perfumes, and cleaning products. It has a sweet, citrusy aroma.
Tangerine juice and peel can be used as a natural cleaner around the house. The acidity helps cut grease, remove stains, and sanitize surfaces.

Conclusion

Tangerines are a nutritious, tasty citrus fruit with a unique history and many uses. They offer an abundance of vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients that can boost your health in many ways. With their versatile flavor and refreshing zing, tangerines make a great addition to any diet. Use these 30 tangerine facts to appreciate the full value of this sweet treat.