Tangerine Juice: Natural Source of Vitamins and Antioxidants

Tangerines are not just an integral part of Christmas. These citrus fruits are second only to oranges in popularity. Comparing their nutritional value and health benefits, oranges do not defeat tangerines and keep the same level. There are many more ways to incorporate tangerines into your daily diet. You may consume it fresh or made into tangerine juice. Even experts recommend eating at least one tangerine a day. In this article, we will explore the health benefits of tangerine juice, how to prepare it, and how to enrich your daily meals with its flavorful variations.

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Tangerines: Second Among Citrus Fruits

Tangerines belong to the citrus family, like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and limes. In terms of popularity and consumption among citrus fruits, tangerines rank second only to oranges. History tells us that tangerines spread from the city of Tangier in Morocco. From this seaport on the western coast of Gibraltar, tangerines traveled along maritime trade routes to the shores of the Mediterranean.

Nowadays, tangerines are cultivated as commercial fruit trees in subtropical regions, primarily in southern Europe and the southern United States.

Both the pulp and peel of tangerines are edible and highly nutritious. Tangerines are smaller, sweeter, and easier to peel than oranges. They are a highly versatile fruit suitable for both desserts and savory dishes. Tangerines are a fine source for jams and marmalades, and their juice is incredibly beneficial for health.

Tangerine Juice Benefits: A Drink Packed with Vitamins and Antioxidants

Despite their small size, tangerines are rich in nutrients. Nutritionally, one tangerine equals one recommended serving of fruit. These fruits contain vitamins A, C, and B group vitamins, along with various essential minerals. Tangerines are also an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is vital for healthy gut function. Their most significant health benefit comes from their powerful antioxidant content.

A diet rich in antioxidants helps the body resist environmental damage, promoting better health, slower aging, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and cancer.

Tangerine juice is a brilliant way to enrich your diet with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Adequate intake of these nutrients also serves as an effective preventive measure, helping to:

Reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions.
Improve skin health and slow down the aging process.
Maintain excellent vision and eye health.
Support optimal brain function.
Strengthen the immune system.

Tangerine Juice: How to Prepare It?

If you want to enjoy health-friendly tangerine juice, pay attention to its composition and preparation method. Supermarkets suggest tangerine juices based on concentrate and with added sweeteners. You should avoid these products and opt for natural tangerine juice without additives.

However, the most beneficial option is freshly squeezed tangerine juice made at home. You can prepare it for breakfast just like the orange juice or make it anytime you want to enjoy and refresh yourself with the sweet and tangy aroma of citrus juice.

You will need fresh tangerines and a juicer device to make tangerine juice. Use a blender instead of a juicer, if needed. In that case, you should strain the juice to separate the pulp and seeds before drinking.

Experts recommend diluting tangerine juice with water. This makes the taste milder and more tolerant, especially for those who struggle with acidic drinks or highly concentrated citrus products. We suggest one way to prepare tangerine juice:

Use a juicer to extract the tangerine juice. If you’re using a blender, add a little water along with the tangerines and strain the blended mixture.
Dilute the freshly squeezed juice with water (adjust to taste and preference) and stir well.
Add ice cubes to glasses for a chilled drink, then pour the juice.
If desired, taste it with fresh mint leaves and serve.

Tangerine Juice: How to Store It?

Tangerine juice is at its tastiest and most nutritious when fresh. However, if you prepare more than you can drink at once, don’t store it for longer than 2–3 days. Any leftover juice should be stored in the refrigerator, preferably in an airtight container. If the juice separates slightly after sitting, shake it well before drinking.

For longer storage, you may freeze tangerine juice. It’s best to freeze it in single-serving portions, such as plastic bottles or freezer bags. When ready to drink, remove the juice from the freezer and thaw it in the fridge. Frozen tangerine juice shelf time is three months.

Another freezing method is to make popsicles or ice cube molds. Frozen this way, tangerine juice can serve as fruity popsicles on a hot summer day or as tangerine-flavored ice cubes for refreshing drinks.

Tangerine Juice Adds Memorable Flavor Variations

Tangerine juice is a versatile ingredient that not only refreshes and revitalizes but also enriches and diversifies the taste of everyday meals. You can create countless flavor variations and incorporate them in unexpected ways. Here are a few ideas:

Mix tangerine juice with olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to create a sweet and tangy sauce for salads.
Add juice to marinades for poultry or seafood.
Combine tangerine juice with sparkling water for a refreshing, digestion-friendly drink to accompany hearty meals.
Enhance tangerine juice with fresh mint and basil for a more savory and aromatic variation.
Incorporate tangerine juice, along with grated tangerine zest, into baked goods to add a pleasant aroma and a hint of citrus flavor.

Don’t Waste Tangerine Peel — It’s a Worthwhile Snack

Researchers have found evidence supporting the health benefits of tangerine peels. These peels contain an antioxidant called tangeretin, a super flavonoid known for lowering blood cholesterol levels effectively.

So, don’t discard tangerine peels! You can retrieve a highly nutritious snack or a fragrant and beneficial spice.

You may dry tangerine peels in the sun, although this method isn’t always practical in certain climates. Another option is to dry them in the oven. Preparing dried tangerine peels takes some time, but here are six steps to make this valuable product:

Carefully remove the white pith from the tangerine peels.
Spread the prepared peels in a single layer in a sunny spot.
Dry them for about a week, turning the peels over once a day.
Arrange the peels in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if drying in the oven.
Preheat the oven to about 90°C (194°F), place the peels inside, and let them dry for about half an hour.
Most importantly, monitor them closely to ensure the peels don’t burn.

You Should Consume Tangerine Juice in Moderation

Although there are no specific limits on how many tangerines or how much mandarin juice a healthy adult can consume daily, health experts emphasize moderation. This is primarily because tangerines, like many fruits, contain natural sugars. Excessive amounts of these sugars can be detrimental to health. On the other hand, the fiber in whole tangerines helps slow sugar absorption, although tangerine juice contains less fiber than whole fruit.

Another reason to avoid overindulging this juice is the potential for allergic reactions. This is particularly relevant for individuals allergic to citrus fruits. Even for those without allergies, consistently overconsuming tangerine juice can lead to intolerance, digestive issues, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.

Additionally, people with liver diseases who are taking medications might find tangerine juice unsuitable. In such cases, it’s advisable to consult a doctor before including tangerine juice in their diet.

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Tangerines Are Not Just for Christmas! Tangerine Juice—a Natural Source of Health Boosting Vitamins and Antioxidants