The tangerine enjoys great popularity among Europeans. Fresh tangerines are available in stores from October, the harvest season.
Here’s what you should know about the tangerine
The tangerine, the small, noble sister of the orange, probably originated in southwestern China or northeastern India. The tangerine, the small, noble sister of the orange, originates probably from the southwest of China or the northeast of India. In China, the mandarin has been cultivated for several thousand years. In the meantime, however, mandarins are grown all over the world, where a moderately warm climate prevails. Imports come especially from Italy, Spain, South America and Turkey. The citrus fruit includes several different varieties, for example the clementines, tangors, satsumas, tangerines, tangelos and many more. Since tangerines can be easily crossed with each other, numerous new species are always created, which makes the tangerine the most varied in the field of citrus fruits. The tangerine is easy to peel and can therefore be eaten raw. The tender and juicy flesh is very tasty. The very aromatic clementine, for example, is a deep orange tangerine that has a good aroma as well as a balanced acidity and usually contains no seeds. The satsuma, a Japanese type of tangerine, has juicy flesh but is less flavorful compared to other tangerine varieties. The tangerine, the smallest type of tangerine, is mild in flavor due to low acidity and contains few seeds. The flesh of tangerines is generally similar in taste to that of oranges, but it is softer, very juicy and much sweeter. Since the harvest time for mandarins varies by country or continent, they are available almost year-round.
Importance for health
The tangerine has a variety of positive effects on health. For example, it helps with sleep disorders, stimulates digestion, relieves cramps and drains water. The tangerine contains a lot of vitamin C, folic acid and pantothenic acid. Especially in the cold season, for example in winter, it should be eaten to replenish the vitamin C store and protect yourself. Provitamin A plays an important role for the eyes, the skin and in cell protection. The citrus fruit also has a positive effect on sleep disorders and digestion. Thanks to the abundant antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, as well as essential oils, the consumption of tangerine strengthens blood vessels and strengthens the heart and circulatory system. The gentle and pleasant smelling essential oil of tangerines is popularly used in aromatherapy, as it is said to promote concentration and have a balancing effect. In cancer therapy, the tangerine is often used as a gentle alternative, as it provides the active ingredients tangeretin and nobiletin. These are very effective against the formation of, for example, breast cancer, as they curb the self-destruction of the cells without negatively affecting the healthy cells. As is the case with many fruits, the peel of the mandarin is also very valuable, as it contains large parts of the valuable active ingredients, especially tangeretin and nobiletin. So that these active ingredients are not lost, the peel can be cut into strips and mixed into juice or dishes, for example a rice dish. For this, however, it is important to use untreated organic mandarins.
Ingredients and nutritional values
The tangerine is a high supplier of vitamin C and also contains the important vitamins A, B as well as E. Also noteworthy are the minerals potassium, calcium and magnesium. With about 50 kilocalories and almost no fat, it is not only a nutritious snack, but also a healthy one, suitable for dieting. There is a lot of pectin in the white skin that is under the peel. This fiber is important for digestion. Therefore, these white fibers should not be cut off completely before eating. Other healthy ingredients include provitamin A.
Intolerances and allergies
Some people suffer from allergic reactions when they eat tangerines. This is usually due to the higher amounts of chlorogenic acid contained in the fruit. The acid intolerance can be particularly evident in the stomach and intestinal tract, for example by heartburn or diarrhea. Another possible symptom is when it burns on the tongue when eating.The quickest help to relieve uncomfortable heartburn is provided by acid blockers, which neutralize stomach acid, causing heartburn to stop quickly.
Shopping and kitchen tips
When shopping, mandarins with an orange-red color should be chosen. It is advisable not to buy fruit whose peel is already noticeably loosened, because these have often been stored for too long. There is no guarantee of the perfect tangerines, because you can not tell. However, in general, citrus fruits sold in bulk have a better quality than the specimens offered on the net. The differences in taste and aroma between the different varieties are sometimes considerable. Therefore, the only way to help is to try them. Mandarins are sometimes coated with a protective layer of various substances to achieve a longer shelf life. Which may consist of various substances. If this is the case, however, it must be declared. To use the valuable ingredients in the peel as well, it is recommended to buy untreated organic tangerines. The aromatic citrus fruits can be kept for up to six weeks if they are stored in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. In a cool place, such as the cellar, they can be stored for one to two weeks. At room temperature, on the other hand, it is advisable to eat them within the next three days, otherwise they will dry out. They quickly lose juiciness and flavor. Fruits with an untreated peel generally have a slightly shorter shelf life. These citrus fruits should not be stored in the refrigerator, as they lose flavor easily when cold. In addition, the tangerines should not touch each other, otherwise they will easily mold. Also, it is recommended to store them separately from other fruits and vegetables, since many varieties accelerate the spoilage of the fruit due to the ripening gas they contain, for example, tomatoes and apples.
Preparation tips
The tangerine offers numerous possibilities of use and preparation. Of course, they are a great snack pure for in between. But it can also be prepared various sweet and savory treats from it. Freshly squeezed tangerine juice tastes wonderful and is healthy. The juice of tangerines is also ideal for mixing, for example together with carrots to create a fruity and spicy cocktail. Children love a mild shake of tangerines and apricots. The citrus fruits are also delicious in a fruit salad, in yogurt and quark dishes or on a cheesecake. Nuts and raisins are often added to Christmas delicacies. The small orange fruits are also suitable for jam. In a salad, mandarins can be mixed with peas, corn, avocado and shrimp, for example. Poultry dishes become an exotic delight with tangerines and curry. No matter how the tangerine is used or consumed, the citrus fruit is always a delicious and healthy snack.
