Tangerines are related varieties of oranges. They generally distinguished from oranges by their smaller size, loose, easily peel able skin (pericarp) and sweet juicy flesh (arils). They are also known as mandarin oranges in Europe and satsumas in Japan. Just as in oranges, they too belong within the Rutaceae (citrus Family) and known scientifically as Citrus reticulata.

Mandarin orange thought to have originated in South-Eastern tropical forest of China. Today, it is widely grown in many parts of the world, as far as California, as an important commercial crop.
 The tangerine tree is smaller than oranges with slender branches, and deep-green leaves with pointed ends. The fruit is flat, small compared to "Navel" or "Valencia" oranges. Its loose, deep orange colour skin (pericarp) can be peeled rather easily. Inside, it features extensive fibrous pith, which is loosely attached to the underside of skin and edible arils. An average-sized fruit has 8-10 juicy segments (arils).

Several hybrid varieties of tangerines exist:

Tangelos, also known as honey bell, are hybrid between tangerine and orange (Citrus sinensis) or grapefruit (Citrus paradisi). Tangelos, like tangerines, have loose skin and juicy sweet flavoured segments. They are distinguished from oranges by a characteristic knob at the stem end of the fruit.

Tangors (Citrus nobilis) are cross between oranges (C. sinensis) and tangerine (C. reticulata). They feature large size, and sweet-tart flavour similar to oranges.

Clementine’s, another member of citrus family, are cross between mandarin and sweet oranges. They are smaller, have smooth glossy skin, and very sweet, juicy, almost seedless segments.

Yuzu fruit or Japanese citrus fruit is a hybrid between C. ichngenesis and mandarin oranges (C. reticulata). They are characterized by intense lime-like fragrance and tart flavour.

Health benefits

As in oranges, Tangerines are very low (53 calories/100 g) in calories. Nevertheless, they are valuable sources of flavonoid anti-oxidants like naringenin, naringin, hesperetin, vitamin A, carotenes, xanthins and luteins; in fact, several times higher than in the oranges.

In addition, the citrus fruits are very rich sources of vitamin-C (ascorbic acid), a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin-C is one of the powerful natural anti-oxidant, which has many essential roles like collagen synthesis, wound healing, anti-viral, anti-cancer activity, and help prevent from neuro-degenerative diseases, arthritis, and cold/fever...etc., by removing oxidant-free radicals from the body. Vitamin C helps absorb iron in the food by reducing ferrous form of the iron elements to ferric form in the gut.

Further, they contain natural soluble and insoluble fiber like hemi-cellulose, pectin...etc., which prevents cholesterol absorption in the gut. Adequate fiber in the food aids in smooth bowel movements by acting as a laxative.

Citrus fruits, as such, have long been valued for their wholesome nutritious and antioxidant properties. It is scientifically established that citrus fruits, especially oranges, by virtue of their richness in vitamins and minerals, have many proven health benefits. Moreover, it is now beginning to be appreciated that the other biologically active, non-nutrient compounds found in citrus fruits such as phyto-chemical antioxidants; soluble and insoluble dietary fibers play a vital role in reduction in the risk for cancers, many chronic diseases like arthritis, and from obesity and coronary heart diseases.

Healthy skin: tangerines are really good for skin owing to the presence of significant amount of vitamin C. Scientific studies have validated the role of Vitamin C in the synthesis of collagen, a structural component vital for the maintenance of healthy skin. Antioxidant properties of vitamin C present in tangerines helps in protecting the skin against the damage induced by UV radiations and helps in revitalizing the aging skin. Furthermore, it aids in reducing the formation of wrinkles, supports in repairing the damaged skin and assists in keeping the skin healthy and youthful.

Good for brain: As a source of natural folate, eating a few tangerines regularly may prove helpful in the normal functioning of brain and support in reducing stress and depression. Folate content present in tangerines may even prove valuable during pregnancy especially for the unborn babies by protecting them against the neural tube defects.

Immune booster: Consumption of citrus fruits such as tangerines helps in enhancing the disease fighting ability of the body and strengthens the immunity. Strong immune system aids in preventing the occurrence of a range of infections and helps reducing the severity of fatal diseases. This attributes to the abundance of vitamin C and other phytonutrients in tangerines which provides tangerines protection against the damaging action of the oxygen free radicals produced during energy metabolism.

Strong bones and muscles: Eating juicy tangerines  may also contribute in keeping your bones strong and healthy attributing to the presence of the calcium and phosphorous content. These minerals are important for all age groups and also play an important role in the muscle contraction.

Digestive health: tangerines are a good source of fibre which adds bulk to your stool and facilitates better digestion and keeps constipation at bay. Fibre content present in clementine also aids in better absorption of nutrients from the food by slowing down the digestion process. Furthermore, potassium content present in clementine helps in normalizing muscle contraction and relaxation which stimulates better movement of food and waste through their respective routes.

Cardiovascular health: tangerines are good for heart owing to the presence of potassium mineral. Consumption of potassium rich tangerines help in normalizing cardiac arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat and also assist in maintaining healthy levels of blood pressure and prevents hypertension. It even reduces the risk of fatal conditions such as stroke.

Electrolyte balance: tangerines are valuable in maintaining the electrolytic balance of the body again attributing to the presence of potassium content.  Eating potassium rich tangerines aids in maintaining natural water balance amidst the cells and the body fluids which is extremely critical for the healthy functioning of the entire system.

Cancer: Inclusion of citrus fruits like tangerines also helps in fighting various types of cancer. This owes to the presence of anti-cancer components such as vitamin C and powerful bioactive molecules such as limonoids and quercetin. Citrus fruits including tangerines also contain pectin which is another component that helps in protecting the body from developing multiple cancers.

Clementine oil for aromatherapy: Clementine oil is used in aromatherapy owing to its pain relieving and rejuvenating nature. It possesses purifying properties and promotes better and restful sleep. Massage with clementine oil aids in relieving stress, uplifts the mood and enhances mental clarity. However, people with dry or sensitive skin should be cautious while using clementine oil and should consider using additional carrier oil during its topical usage. Essential oils such as clementine oil may also cause photo toxicity and hence one should refrain from direct exposure to the sunlight for a few hours post the application of such oils on the skin.