Why are Tangerines So Popular?

It’s the time of year to buy tangerines from Pittman & Davis!

Grown in Florida, Texas, and other states in the United States Sun Belt, tangerines are popular all over the world. They are also grown in other parts of the Americas, Asia, Africa, and in Mediterranean climates. But whether you prefer Florida or Texas Tangerines, anyone who experiences the delicious rush provided by this fruit becomes an instant convert to its cause!

Honey-Sweet Tangerines, Sunburst, Gold Nuggets…whatever the variety, you can be sure that tangerines are one of the most popular of citrus fruits! Sweet and tangy tangerines are prized for their use in culinary applications (particularly in various ethnic foods) and as a snack. But what qualities in particular contribute to their widespread popularity?

Health Benefits of Eating Tangerines

The nutritional value of a tangerine has 26.7 mg of vitamin C (about 44% of the daily recommended intake for adults). Tangerines are also packed with other vitamins (like vitamin A), fiber, folate, beta-carotene, potassium, and magnesium. Low in fat, just one tangerine fruit has less than 50 calories, so it’s a satisfyingly sweet, yet diet-friendly snack.

Tangerines as a Snack

Tangerines are sweeter than oranges, and their flavor tends to be more intense. Because it’s small, the tangerine is easier to handle than a larger fruit and serves as a perfect sized snack portion for children and seniors. (Little ones require smaller portions and frequent eating, as their tummies don’t hold a lot and become empty earlier than a bigger kid’s.) The favorite varieties of tangerines for kids’ lunches are seedless tangerines. Parents like to pack more than one into their child’s lunch so they can share a healthy tangerine gift with their friends!

Tangerines are great take-along snacks in an adult’s lunchbox, too…their thin skins make them easy to peel, and their juicy, refreshing flavor make them a great afternoon pick-me-up. They’re also lower in acid than oranges (which is why they’re sweeter), so they’re a bit easier on the stomach.

Tangerines in Cooking

Pittman & Davis Tangerines are excellent in cooking. They make a great addition to salads because their sweetness is at the perfect level to cut through any other flavor that may be present. Furthermore, they are delicious in desserts. Many people like to use them alongside strawberries or other citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits, and they also pair wonderfully with several flavors of ice cream. Another way to use them is to mount one along the rim of a cocktail to be mixed into the drink if desired.

Not only that, but they’re excellent in poultry and seafood dishes. A Thanksgiving turkey should pair nicely alongside a dressing containing sections tangerine, and many find adding them to sauces and vinaigrette to be a delicious option.

It also seems that honey tangerines are the citrus fruit of choice for a number of traditional foods from all corners of the globe. Asian cuisine, Mediterranean meals, and Mexican desserts often include different varieties of tangerine. The citrus fruit’s trademark sweetness makes it popular in many dishes on a worldwide scale.

Tangerines as Gifts

If your children are adults and maybe starting their own families, sending a select package of healthy tangerine snacks like our Tangerines & Treats Gift Box or Citrus Delights Gift Basket is a great way to let them you are thinking of them, and get them in the habit of using fresh tangerines in your grandchildren’s diet. Busy new moms will appreciate the quick snack idea of keeping these delicious treats of nature handy…in fact, everyone will love the delectable offerings in these citrus gift assortments!

The Tasty Tangerine from Pittman & Davis: How Sweet it Is!

Pittman & Davis Tangerines have a reputation for being sweeter than any other tangerine on the market. Why is that? The fact is, when you buy tangerines online from us, you know they’ve been allowed to stay on the tree and ripen in the sun for as long as possible, so they are as sweet as possible before picking.