Tangerines are the Perfect Family Snack

A tangerine is a bright orange citrus fruit that is known for both its bright color and sweet taste. The tangerine is smaller than most oranges and generally speaking the skin of this citrus fruit will peel off quite easily. The taste of a tangerine is very sweet as opposed to the tart and sour taste that grapefruits usually have. Oranges are sweet, but not as sweet as tangerines. Tangerines are a variety of the mandarin orange. The peak growing season for tangerines is very short, so tangerines are not available all year in most places. The growing season for tangerines in North America is usually from November until January.

Tangerines are used in a variety of ways. Adding tangerine segments and juice into desserts, main dishes and salads is a great way to add sweetness without using refined sugar. Replacing water in recipes with tangerine juice also is a great way to boost the nutritional content of whatever you are cooking. Some people say that the best way to enjoy a tangerine is just to peel it and eat it fresh, enjoying all the sweet juice and the delicious fruit.

There are various varieties of tangerines including the honey tangerine, or Murcott, it is a very sweet fruit as the name may suggest. Other popular kinds of tangerines include the Sunburst Tangerine and the Fairchild Tangerine. One of the oldest and most popular varieties of the tangerine is the Dancy Tangerine, however; this type of tangerine is no longer widely grown. It used to be nicknamed the ‘Christmas Orange’ because of its easiness to peal and sweetness children would receive them in their Christmas Stockings.

Tangerines are an excellent source of Vitamin C, Potassium, Magnesium, and other vitamins and minerals that are necessary to maintain good health. Tangerines are the ideal snack because they are easy to carry, have their own protective peel, and are low in calories. A tangerine only has about fifty calories. Because tangerines are seedless and very easy to peel they are the perfect snack for toddlers who are just learning how to eat on their own.

Kids usually have no trouble peeling tangerines by themselves. Tangerines are not too sweet but they are sweet enough to satisfy a child that wants cookies or candy. Giving kids tangerines to snack on instead of sugary soda or snacks will help them develop healthier eating habits as they grow up. Keep a box of delicious tangerines in the house and your family will not even notice when you remove the sugary candy and snacks.

Taste the Sunshine with Hale Groves

At Hale Groves, we believe the best gifts come from the land, not a factory. For generations, our fruit has been grown slowly under the Florida sun, picked at its peak, and delivered fresh to your door. From sweet Navel Oranges to rare Honeybells, every gift shares the simple joy of real flavor—perfect for holidays, milestones, or everyday moments worth celebrating.

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