Why this bright orange fruit brightens Korean winters

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Sweet and tangy tangerines are in season. During winter, when vitamin intake tends to drop, tangerines are an affordable source of nutrients. When grown in cold winter conditions, the fruit contains high levels of vitamin C.

Every part of the tangerine is useful — even the white fibers inside the peel, known as “pith.” These fibers are rich in hesperidin, a compound that works with vitamin C to suppress free radicals, which age cells, and promote blood circulation.

A medium-sized tangerine weighing about 100 grams has approximately 42 calories. While 89 percent of the fruit is water, it is packed with sugar, organic acids, amino acids and minerals. The abundant vitamin C boosts immunity and provides antioxidant effects, helping prevent flu, relieve fatigue, improve skin health and reduce stress.

Tangerines are also rich in vitamin A, which benefits eye health, and flavonoids, which protect blood vessels and help prevent high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis. They also contain abundant amounts of vitamin E, which prevents oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and suppresses cholesterol accumulation.

Two tangerines a day provide sufficient vitamin C

A 100-gram tangerine contains 55 to 60 milligrams of vitamin C. Since the recommended daily intake for adults is 60 to 100 milligrams, one or two will provide all that is needed.

Pregnant women and smokers are encouraged to consume slightly more. However, since tangerines contain sugar, people with diabetes should limit consumption to about one per day.

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The peel is also valuable. The white inner pith and the thin skin wrapping the segments contain large amounts of pectin, a dietary fiber. This aids bowel movement, prevents constipation and blocks the absorption of fat in the body.

Experts suggest washing and drying the peels thoroughly to make tea or chopping up the peel and adding it to baked goods. The peels can also be used to make marmalade, a preserve made by boiling the fruit, including the peel, with sugar.

Tangerines easily develop mold during storage, which can cause allergic reactions including hives and rashes. If even a small spot of mold appears, the entire fruit must be discarded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why do tangerines taste best in winter?

A. As temperatures drop in winter, tangerines store more sugar, making them sweeter and more flavorful than in summer or fall.

Q. Are bigger tangerines more delicious?

A. Not necessarily. Medium-sized fruits often have the best balance of sweetness and acidity. Very large tangerines may have a higher water content and a lighter flavor.

Q. Are tangerines with thin peels sweeter?

A. Tangerines with thin, firm peels tend to be sweeter and tastier. If the peel is too thick, the flavor may be less intense.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.