Fruit | Vegan Gluten Free Whole Food

Tangerine

Citrus reticulata Allergen-Free
Tangerine

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Rutaceae
  • Primary Cuisine East Asian
  • Seasonality Fall to Spring
  • Source Fruit

The Forktionary Angle

"The pocket-sized burst of sun-kissed sweetness."

Definition

A small, easy-to-peel citrus fruit with sweet, slightly tart, and aromatic pulp, closely related to mandarins.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Tangy
TextureJuicy, Tender
AromaSweet, Citrusy
AcidityMedium

Technical Metrics

Ease of Peeling

Very easy (loose rind)

Harvest Season

Late Fall to Spring

Vitamin C Content

~26mg per 100g

Nutrition Facts

Per 88 g (1 medium)
Calories53 kcal
Total Fat0.3 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.8 g
Total Carbohydrate13 g
Dietary Fiber1.8 g
Total Sugars10 g
Calcium37 mg
Iron0.1 mg
Potassium166 mg

Chef’s Secret

The zest of tangerines is less bitter and more aromatic than larger oranges, making it excellent for baking and finishing dishes.

Substitutions

Best Match

Clementine

1:1

Very similar in size, sweetness, and easy-to-peel nature.

Mandarin Orange

1:1

Often used interchangeably, with slight variations in size and sweetness.

Orange

1:1

Larger, less intense flavor, but provides similar citrus notes and juiciness.

Kumquat

1:1 (for zest)

Small, edible peel, provides intense citrus aroma, but much more tart.

Buying Guide

Select tangerines that are heavy for their size, with firm, glossy skin. Avoid soft spots or mold. Store at room temperature or refrigerated.

Flavor Pairings

Ginger almonds star anise dark chocolate duck chicken fish.

Recipes Using Tangerine

Baked Red Snapper With Citrus Tomato Topping image 113
Spicy Cuisine Seafood Equipment

Baked Red Snapper With Citrus Tomato Topping

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant and flavorful Baked Red Snapper! Inspired by Epicurious, this recipe features a spicy, citrusy tomato topping that adds a delightful kick to flaky, baked red snapper. Quick, easy, and bursting with fresh flavors, this dish is perfect for a healthy and impressive meal.

See Complete Recipe