Tangerine

HISTORY AND ETYMOLOGY

Tangerine (Citrus reticulata) is a fruit tree belonging to the genus Citrus (Rutaceae). The name tangerine can refer both to the plant and to its fruit. It comes from tropical China, and is identical to the name given to the ancient imperial political officials (and related language family) in that they were dressed in an orange cloak. The cultivation of the fruit arrived in Europe especially in Portugal and Spain, where it began to spread around the fifteenth century.

DESCRIPTION

The tangerine is a shrub just over two meters tall, in some varieties up to four meters. The leaves are small and very fragrant and the fruit is spheroidal in shape, a little flattened at the root, easy to harvest. The pulp is light orange in color, consisting of easily separable segments, very juicy and sweet, within which numerous seeds are immersed. The peel is orange, thin and fragrant, with a very rarefied and grainy albedo that allows easy peeling of the fruit. It is particularly easy to remove the peel with your hands, precisely as it is poorly attached to the pulp. It has a bittersweet and aromatic scent like clementine and a very sweet taste.

USES AND PROPERTIES

Tangerine is very rich in vitamin C, but it also contains vitamin B, vitamin A, vitamin P, folic acid and several minerals including magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and antioxidants. In addition, it contains bromine, a substance that promotes sleep and relaxation. It is easily digestible and, being rich in fiber, it helps the regular functioning of the intestine. It is a good ally in the prevention of colds and helps protect capillaries and bones. Tangerines are normally eaten as fresh fruit or processed in the production of jams and candied fruit. An essential oil is extracted from the peel which is a slightly fluorescent golden yellow liquid.

CULTIVATION

A mild, sunny and little rainy climate is required for cultivation. It is a climate sensitive plant and does not tolerate intense heat and cold and fears very strong winds that can damage fragile sprouts. Air currents and sudden changes in temperature can lead to fruit falling. The tangerine tree has roots that extend deep into the soil and therefore needs soft, well-drained soil. Watering must be constant at all times of the year, especially in summer, in the driest and least rainy months, and sporadically in winter, taking care not to excessively distribute water, to avoid stagnations that favor radical rottenness that are dangerous for the plant. As regards fertilization, organic products must be used both on the ground and via the leaves, repeated periodically throughout the year.