Tangerines are a type of mandarin, the second-largest cultivated citrus fruit after oranges. They are from the family of Rutaceae, order of Sapndales and genus of Citrus. Like oranges, tangerines are orange in color — although some varieties may have shades of green or red. However, they’re a bit smaller and less round and are easier to peel by hand. They also have a sweeter taste.
The name was first used for fruit coming from Tangier, Morocco, described as a mandarin variety. Under the Tanaka classification system, Citrus tangerina is considered a separate species. Under the Swingle system, tangerines are considered a group of mandarin (C. reticulata) varieties. Some differ only in disease resistance. The term is also currently applied to any reddish-orange mandarin (and, in some jurisdictions, mandarin-like hybrids, including some tangors).
Tangerines are smaller and less rounded than the oranges. The taste is considered less sour, as well as sweeter and stronger, than that of an orange.[9] A ripe tangerine is firm to slightly soft, and pebbly-skinned with no deep grooves, as well as orange in colour. The peel is thin, with little bitter white mesocarp.[10] All of these traits are shared by mandarins generally.
Both the flesh and peel are highly nutritious. You can enjoy tangerines as a snack on the go, blend them into a refreshing juice or smoothie, or use them to make a sweet jam or salad dressing.
Below are some health benefits of Tangerine:
- AIDS SKIN HEALTH.
Having healthy levels of vitamin C in your body has been tied to having healthy skin. Vitamin C has been shown to play a vital role in how your body makes collagen. Collagen is what makes our skin appear youthful. Vitamin C has also been shown to possibly prevent and treat skin damage caused by sun exposure.
- IT HELPS THE EYE.
Another benefit of the high vitamin C content in tangerines is its support of eye health by delaying the onset of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. There’s evidence that vitamin C and other nutritional antioxidants can help keep your eyes healthy longer. - AIDS IN CONTROLLING THE HEART.
A five-year study of more than 500,000 adults showed that eating at least a half cup of fresh fruit once a day may significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Participants who ate fruit daily were roughly 33% less likely to die from heart attack or stroke. Tangerines are a great option for your daily fruit consumption.
- HIGHLY NUTRITIOUS.
In addition to being packed with vitamin C, tangerines are a good source of dietary fiber. Adding fiber to your diet is a great way to lose weight. Women under 50 should aim for 25 grams of fiber per day, and men should try for about 38 grams.
Tangerines are also a minor source of: Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Copper, Potassium, Pantothenic acid (vitaminB5).
SOURCES:
- “Home : Oxford English Dictionary”. com.
- “Citrus tangerina Yu.Tanaka — The Plant List”. org.
“Dancy Tangerine”. Slowfood USA. Retrieved 2 May 2018
ARTICLE BY ANUM JUSTICE GIDEON OBODAI.