Where do tangerines come from?

There are several varieties of tangerines, including clementines, clemenvilla, hybrid and satsumas (originating in Japan). Tangerine was cultivated in China for thousands of years. The first reference dates from XII a.d century. Its cultivation spread in the northeast of India and Southeast China.

Tangerines arrive to Europe in the nineteenth century, specifically in 1805 when Sir Abraham Hume export them to England. From there, this fruit travelled to Malta and spread throughout the Mediterranean. In 1870, Colonel George L.Dancy took tangerine to Florida and spread throughout America.

Currently the largest producing countries are China, Japan, Israel, Italy, Algeria, Spain, Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay.

Why is called Tangerine?

Mandarin word refers to the orange color of the suit worn by the mandarins, bureaucrats of Imperial China. In different language tangerine it is known as:

– Spanish and French: mandarina and mandarin

– Italian: Mandarin

– German: mandarine

– Portuguese: tangerine

What is tangerine used for?

Tangerine is used mainly as a fresh fruit, for its pleasant taste and aroma. It can also be used in salads, due to the small size of their slices.

Peel and flowers contain essential oils with sedative properties. The leaves contain a bitter principle that can be used in infusion as a tonic and appetizer. It is used in syrup and candied pastries. Also in the production of jams, smoothies and sorbets.

Health properties

The major component in tangerines is water compared to other fruits of their gender. The quantity of sugar is lower than other fruits and therefore it only has a few calories. The amount of fiber is appreciable and it is especially located in the white part between the pulp and rind. Its consumption promotes intestinal transit. Vitamin C, folic acid and provitamin A are also present in tangerines. This fruit contains remarkable amounts of citric acid, potassium and magnesium.

Provitamin A or beta carotene is converted into vitamin A in our body. This vitamin is essential for vision, good skin, hair, mucous membranes, bones and proper functioning of the immune system. Vitamin C is involved in the formation of collagen, bones and teeth, red blood cells and enhances the absorption of iron from food and resistance to infections. Both vitamins also fulfill an antioxidant function. Citric acid has a disinfectant action and enhances the action of vitamin C. Folic acid is involved in the production of red and white cells in the genetic material synthesis and formation of immune system antibodies. Potassium is necessary for the transmission and generation of nerve impulse and for the normal muscular activity.