The tangerine enjoys great popularity among Europeans. Fresh mandarins are available in shops from October, the harvest time.
What you should know about the tangerine
The tangerine, the little, noble sister of the orange, probably originally comes from the south-west of China or the north-east of India. The tangerine has been grown in China for several thousand years.
In the meantime, however, the mandarins are grown worldwide, where there is a moderately warm climate. Imports come from Italy, Spain, South America and Turkey in particular. The citrus fruit includes several different varieties, for example the clementines, tangors, satsumas, tangerines, tangelos and many more. Since mandarins can be easily crossed with each other, numerous new species are created time and again, which makes the mandarine the most varied in the citrus fruit sector.
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-colored mandarin, which has a good aroma and balanced acidity and usually contains no seeds.
Satsuma, a Japanese type of tangerine, has juicy flesh, but is less flavorful than other types of tangerine. The tangerine, the smallest type of mandarin, has a mild taste due to its low acidity and contains few stones.
The taste of the flesh of the mandarins is generally reminiscent of that of the oranges, but it is softer, very juicy and much sweeter. Since the harvest time for the mandarins varies depending on the country or part of the world, they are available almost all year round.
Importance to health
The tangerine has a number of positive effects on health. For example, it helps with insomnia, stimulates digestion, has an antispasmodic and water-draining effect. The tangerine contains a lot of vitamin C, folic acid and pantothenic acid.
It should be eaten especially in the cold season, for example in winter, in order to replenish the vitamin C store and to protect yourself. Provitamin A plays an important role in the eyes, skin and cell protection. The citrus fruit also has a positive effect on sleep disorders and digestion. Thanks to the abundant antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and essential oils it contains, the consumption of mandarins strengthens the blood vessels and strengthens the cardiovascular system.
The gentle and pleasantly smelling essential oil of mandarins is often used in aromatherapy because it is supposed to promote concentration and have a balancing effect.
The tangerine is often used as a gentle alternative in cancer therapy because it supplies the active ingredients tangeretin and nobiletin. These are very effective against the formation of breast cancer, for example, as they curb the self-destruction of the cells without negatively affecting the healthy cells. As with many fruits, the peel of the mandarine is 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 shell can be cut into strips and juice or food, for example a rice dish, mixed in. However, it is important to use untreated organic mandarins for this.
Ingredients & nutritional values
The tangerine is a high source of vitamin C and also contains the important vitamins A, B and E. The minerals potassium, calcium and magnesium are also noteworthy.
With around 50 kilocalories and almost no fat, it is not only a nutrient-dense, but also a healthy snack that is also suitable for a diet. There is a lot of pectin in the white skin under the peel. This fiber is important for digestion. Therefore, these white fibers should not be completely cut off before consumption. Another healthy ingredient is provitamin A.
Intolerances & allergies
Some people experience allergic reactions when they eat mandarins. The reason for this is mostly the higher amounts of chlorogenic acid contained in the fruit.
The acid intolerance can manifest itself particularly in the stomach and intestinal area, for example through heartburn or diarrhea. Another possible symptom is burning your tongue while eating. The quickest help to alleviate the unpleasant heartburn is offered by acid blockers, which neutralize the stomach acid, whereby the heartburn stops quickly.
Shopping & kitchen tips
When shopping, mandarins with an orange-red color should be chosen. It is advisable not to buy fruits whose skin is already noticeably loosened, as these have often been in storage for too long. There is no guarantee of the perfect mandarins, because you can't tell by looking at them.
In general, however, citrus fruits sold loosely are of better quality than the specimens offered on the net. The differences in taste and aroma between the different varieties are sometimes considerable. Therefore only a try helps. Mandarins are sometimes covered with a protective layer of different fabrics to give them a longer shelf life. Which can consist of various substances. If this is the case, however, it must be declared.
In order to use the valuable ingredients in the peel as well, it is advisable to buy untreated organic mandarins. The aromatic citrus fruits can be kept for up to six weeks if they are stored in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. They can be kept for one to two weeks in a cool place, such as the basement. At room temperature, however, it is advisable to consume them within the next three days, otherwise they will dry out. They quickly lose their juiciness and aroma. Fruits with an untreated skin generally have a shorter shelf life.
These citrus fruits should not be stored in the refrigerator as they easily lose their aroma in the cold. In addition, the mandarins should not touch, otherwise they will mold easily. It is also advisable to keep them separate from other types of fruit and vegetables, as many types of fruit accelerate the deterioration of the fruit due to the ripening gas it contains, for example tomatoes and apples.
Preparation tips
The tangerine offers numerous uses and preparation options. Of course, they are a great snack on their own. But it can also be used to prepare various sweet and savory delicacies. Freshly squeezed mandarin juice tastes wonderful and is healthy. The juice of the mandarins is also ideal for mixing, for example together with carrots, to conjure up a fruity-spicy cocktail.
Children love a mild shake made from tangerines and apricots. The citrus fruits also taste good in a fruit salad, in yoghurt and quark dishes or on a cheesecake. Nuts and raisins are often used for Christmas delicacies. The small orange fruits are also well suited for jam. In a salad, the mandarins can be mixed with peas, corn, avocado and crabs, for example. Poultry dishes are an exotic delight with mandarins and curry. No matter how the mandarine is used or consumed, the citrus fruit is always a tasty and healthy snack.
