Tangelo 101: Nutrition, Benefits, How To Use, Buy, Store | Tangelo: A Complete Guide

What is Tangelo

A tangelo is a type of citrus fruit that comes from a cross between a tangerine and a pomelo or grapefruit. It looks like an orange but tends to be a bit more squashed in shape, with a small bump near the top where the stem is. The taste is a mix of sweet and tart, kinda like a tangerine but juicier and with a slight tang. The skin peels off pretty easily, so it’s not a hassle to eat, and it’s usually seedless, which makes it even better. Tangelos are often available during the winter months, and they’re a great source of vitamin C, just like other citrus fruits. People like them because they’re refreshing and a little different from your regular oranges.

Other Names of Tangelo

Here are some other names for a tangelo:

1. Honeybell – This name is often used for a specific type of tangelo called the Minneola tangelo. It’s called that because it’s got a bell-like shape and a sweet taste, like honey.
2. Minneola – One of the most popular varieties of tangelos. It’s usually easy to recognize because of the little knob or bump at the top.
3. Orlando – Another variety of tangelo, but this one is a bit more rounded and less bumpy. It’s still sweet but a bit more mild than the Minneola.
4. Citrus X tangelo – This is its scientific name, not something you’d really call it in conversation, but it’s good to know that’s its official classification.

Tangelos don’t have a ton of different names, but these are the main ones people use when talking about them.

Nutritional Value of Tangelo

The nutritional values of tangelos can vary slightly based on the specific variety and growing conditions. Below is a general representation of the nutritional content of tangelos per 100 grams:

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	43 kcal
Water	86.8 g
Protein	0.8 g
Carbohydrates	8.2 g
Sugars	8.2 g
Fiber	1.6 g
Fat	0.2 g
Vitamin C	26.7 mg (44% DV)
Vitamin A	34 µg (3.8% DV)
Folate	8 µg (2% DV)
Potassium	166 mg (4% DV)
Calcium	37 mg (4% DV)
Iron	0.1 mg (1% DV)
Magnesium	8 mg (2% DV)
Phosphorus	12 mg (2% DV)

Benefits of Tangelo

Here are some benefits of eating tangelos:

1. High in Vitamin C – Tangelos are packed with vitamin C, which is great for boosting your immune system and helping you fight off colds. It also helps your skin look healthier.
2. Low in Calories – If you’re watching what you eat, tangelos are a good snack because they’re low in calories but still tasty and satisfying.
3. Good Source of Fiber – The fiber in tangelos helps with digestion, keeping things moving smoothly, and can also make you feel full longer.
4. Hydration – Tangelos are super juicy, which means they help keep you hydrated, especially if you’re tired of just drinking water.
5. Rich in Antioxidants – Like other citrus fruits, tangelos are full of antioxidants, which help protect your body’s cells from damage and keep you feeling good.
6. Supports Heart Health – The potassium in tangelos helps keep your heart healthy by lowering blood pressure and helping balance out the effects of too much salt.
7. Easy to Eat – The peel comes off pretty easily, so they’re a convenient snack when you’re in a rush or on the go.

These benefits make tangelos not just tasty, but also a great addition to a healthy diet.

Varieties of Tangelo

Here are some varieties of tangelo:

1. Minneola – Probably the most well-known tangelo variety. It’s got a distinctive shape with a little bump at the top and a bold, sweet-tart flavor. It’s juicy, and the peel comes off pretty easily, which is a nice bonus.
2. Orlando – This variety is a bit more mild in flavor compared to Minneola. It’s still sweet, but not as tangy. The fruit is rounder and slightly less juicy, but it’s still a favorite for people who like a more subtle citrus taste.
3. Seminole – Less common than the others, but still worth trying if you can find it. The Seminole tangelo has a deeper, richer flavor and can be a little more on the tart side. It’s great if you like something with a stronger kick.
4. Thornton – This one has a thicker skin, which might take a little more work to peel, but it’s very sweet and juicy inside. It’s not as popular, but some people really enjoy its sugary taste.

Each variety has its own little twist on the sweet-and-tart balance, so there’s something for everyone depending on what kind of citrus flavor you like best.

What Does Tangelo Taste Like

Tangelos have a really unique taste that’s a mix of sweet and tangy. It’s like taking the best parts of a tangerine and a grapefruit and blending them together. When you first bite into one, you get this burst of sweetness, but then there’s a slight tang that makes it different from just eating an orange. It’s not too sour, though, just enough to give it a little extra kick. The juice is really refreshing, and since they’re usually seedless, it’s easy to enjoy without any interruptions. The flavor is kinda bold but smooth, and it leaves you wanting another bite.

How To Use Tangelo

Here are some ways you can use tangelos:

1. Eat it fresh – The easiest way is just peeling and eating it like you would an orange. It’s super juicy and refreshing, perfect for a quick snack.
2. Make juice – Tangelos make amazing juice! Just squeeze them like you would with oranges, and you’ll get a sweet, tangy drink that’s great for breakfast or a pick-me-up during the day.
3. Add to salads – Slice up tangelo segments and toss them into a salad. The sweetness pairs really well with greens, nuts, and even some cheeses like feta or goat cheese.
4. Use in desserts – You can use tangelo zest or juice in desserts like cakes, tarts, or cookies. It adds a citrusy pop to sweets without being too overpowering.
5. Make tangelo marmalade – Just like orange marmalade, you can use tangelos to make a tangy, sweet spread for toast, bagels, or even pancakes.
6. Toss in smoothies – Add tangelo segments to your smoothies for a burst of flavor. It goes great with other fruits like bananas, strawberries, and even some spinach for a healthier option.
7. Grill or roast – You can slice tangelos and grill or roast them alongside meats like chicken or pork for a sweet and slightly tangy glaze.

These are just a few ideas, but tangelos are really versatile, so you can get creative with how you use them.

Substitute for Tangelo

Here are some good substitutes for tangelo:

1. Tangerine – Since tangelos are partly made from tangerines, this is one of the closest substitutes. It’s sweet and juicy, but a bit less tangy than a tangelo.
2. Grapefruit – If you’re looking for more of that tangy bite, grapefruits are a good substitute. They’re more sour than sweet, but they can give you that refreshing citrus flavor tangelos have.
3. Orange – A regular orange can work if you’re in a pinch. It’s sweeter and less tangy than a tangelo, but it still gives you that nice citrus flavor.
4. Mandarin – These are similar to tangerines, but a bit smaller and sweeter. They don’t have as much tartness, but they’re juicy and easy to peel, just like tangelos.
5. Pomelo – Since tangelos are part pomelo, you could use this as a substitute, though pomelos are a lot milder and have a thicker peel. It’s not as juicy, but it gives a gentle, sweet flavor.
6. Clementine – Like a mandarin, clementines are sweet and easy to peel. They don’t have the same tartness as tangelos, but they’re close in terms of texture and size.

These options will give you a similar taste or texture, depending on what you’re going for in a recipe or snack.

Where to Buy Tangelo

Here are some places where you can buy tangelos:

1. Grocery Stores – Most big grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, or Safeway usually carry tangelos, especially during the winter season when they’re in season. Just check the produce section where they keep oranges and other citrus fruits.
2. Farmers Markets – If you’re lucky enough to have a local farmers market, you might find tangelos there. They’re often fresher and might even taste better because they’re locally grown.
3. Online – There are online stores where you can order fresh tangelos, like Amazon Fresh, or even specialty citrus websites. You can get them delivered right to your door, which is super convenient if you can’t find them nearby.
4. Health Food Stores – Places like Whole Foods or Sprouts often have a good selection of fresh fruits, including tangelos. They usually focus on organic produce, so you might find organic tangelos here.
5. Citrus Farms – Some citrus farms will sell tangelos directly to customers. If you live in a warmer climate, especially in places like Florida or California, you could find a farm nearby that sells them fresh.
6. Specialty Fruit Stores – Certain stores that focus on fruits or exotic produce might carry tangelos, especially if they specialize in seasonal or rare fruits.

Tangelos aren’t too hard to find, especially in winter, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead if you’re looking for them in a specific store.

How To Store Tangelo

Here’s how to store tangelos to keep them fresh:

1. Room Temperature (Short-Term Storage) – If you plan on eating your tangelos within 3-5 days, leaving them at room temperature is totally fine. They can sit on the counter or in a fruit bowl, but there are a few things to watch out for. Make sure they’re in a cool, dry spot, away from direct sunlight. Heat or too much sun can cause the fruit to overripen quickly. Also, keep them in a single layer instead of piling them up, as stacking can lead to bruising, and bruised spots start to decay faster.
2. Refrigeration (Longer Storage) – If you’ve got more tangelos than you can eat in a few days, refrigerating them is the way to go. In the fridge, tangelos can last for up to two weeks, sometimes even a bit longer. The best place to store them is in the crisper drawer, where the humidity is higher. This helps prevent the skin from drying out. However, make sure to keep them in a breathable bag, like a mesh or perforated plastic bag. Sealing them in an airtight bag traps moisture, which can lead to mold and rot.
3. Don’t Wash Until Ready to Eat – If you’re storing tangelos, whether on the counter or in the fridge, don’t wash them beforehand. The water can get trapped in the pores of the skin, causing them to mold faster. Only wash them right before you’re going to eat or use them in a recipe.
4. Avoid Moisture and Dampness – Moisture is the enemy of fresh fruit, including tangelos. If you notice any condensation inside the fridge, wipe it off. Excess moisture creates the perfect environment for mold. It’s also a good idea to store tangelos away from fruits that release a lot of ethylene gas, like bananas and apples, as this can speed up the ripening process and make tangelos go bad faster.
5. Check and Rotate Them – Even in the fridge, it’s smart to check your tangelos every few days. If one starts to soften or show mold, remove it immediately, so it doesn’t spoil the others. When you buy a bunch at once, try to rotate them, eating the older ones first and leaving the fresher ones for later.
6. Freezing Tangelos – If you find yourself with a surplus of tangelos, freezing is a great way to preserve them for later use. While you can’t freeze whole tangelos (they’ll lose their texture), you can freeze their juice and zest. To freeze the juice, simply cut the tangelos in half, juice them, and pour the juice into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can have a fresh burst of tangelo flavor in smoothies or recipes whenever you need it. For the zest, grate the skin (just the colored part, not the white pith) and freeze the zest in small airtight containers.
7. Use in a Timely Manner – Even if stored correctly, it’s good to remember that fresh fruit like tangelos are best enjoyed sooner rather than later. Over time, even in the fridge, they’ll start to lose their flavor and juiciness. So try to enjoy them within the first week or so for the best taste!

By following these steps, you can maximize the shelf life of your tangelos and enjoy them fresh for as long as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tangelo