Content
A hybrid of tangerine and grapefruit is called tangelo. Unlike other citrus fruits, the crop has high frost resistance. The fruits are not inferior in chemical composition to their parents. They are used in cosmetology, cooking and medicine.
Name of the tangerine-grapefruit hybrid
A sweet citrus fruit obtained by crossing one of the tangerine varieties - tangerine and grapefruit - is called tangelo.
History of appearance and description
The crop resulting from a mixture of tangerine and grapefruit, called tangelo, was first obtained in 1897 on plantations of the US Department of Agriculture. The fruit, which was grown by scientists Herbert Weber and Walter Swingle, turned out to be unlike other representatives of the Rutaceae family.
The hybrid is cultivated in countries with subtropical climates
The crop is grown on special plantations and in private gardens in the states of California and Florida. The plant can also be found in Turkey and Israel.
Hybrid trees based on tangerine and grapefruit are more similar to orange trees. They reach a height of 7-8 m.The leaves are malachite green, oval in shape, pointed at the end.
The weight depends on the variety of tangerine with which the grapefruit was crossed. On average it is 110-120 g. The size of the fruit ranges from a medium-sized orange to a grapefruit. The fruits are round, slightly elongated at the base. The pulp is sweet and sour, comes in two shades - yellow and orange, there are few seeds. The peel is carrot-orange in color and easy to peel.
How does a hybrid differ from other citrus fruits?
The main difference between a hybrid of tangerine and grapefruit is the high frost resistance of the crop. The plant tolerates cold worse than tangerine, but better than grapefruit. At the same time, trees require careful care, otherwise you won’t have to count on a harvest.
Chemical composition and calorie content
A hybrid of tangerine and grapefruit can be classified as a dietary fruit. 100 g of product contains 36-40 kcal.
Macronutrients:
- protein compounds – 0.6 g;
- triglycerides – 0.1 g;
- carbon hydrates – 7.8 g;
- water – 85.9 g.
In addition to useful microelements and vitamins, the chemical composition of tangelo includes hydroxyl acids (citric acid) and fat-soluble plant pigments.
Minerals | Quantity | Vitamins | Quantity |
Zinc | 0.3 mg | A | 49 mcg |
Sodium | 4 mg | Folic acid | 10 mcg |
Magnesium | 10 mg | IN1 | 50 mcg |
Iron | 0.3 mg | IN2 | 30 mcg |
Potassium | 0.14 g | IN3 | 0.3 mg |
Calcium | 22 mg | WITH | 28 mg |
The chemical composition of the hybrid peel includes essential oils. The white film contains ballast and secondary plant matter.
What are the benefits of a hybrid of tangerine and grapefruit?
Consumption of a hybrid of tangerine and grapefruit has a positive effect on the functioning of many organs and systems.Fruits provide the body with fiber, saturated and unsaturated fats, which lower blood sugar levels, normalize digestion, and are prophylactic agents to prevent the development of stroke, obesity and hypertension.
Benefits of a hybrid of tangerine and grapefruit:
- Vitamin A is good for visual health and protects against age-related blindness.
- Group B has a beneficial effect on the nervous system of the body and does not allow the development of neurological disorders. Vitamins are necessary for the formation and maturation of red blood cells. Participate in DNA synthesis.
- Vitamin B12 has a positive effect on liver function and reduces cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Nicotinic acid helps strengthen capillaries and blood vessels.
- Regular consumption of vitamin C improves immunity and the body's ability to resist various viruses and infections. Tangelo fruits have properties to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing hypertension.
- Flavonoids suppress the growth of cancer cells, have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, and prevent the development of chronic vascular and heart diseases.
- Potassium improves oxygen supply to the brain and promotes mental clarity. Helps get rid of toxins.
Tangelo has the ability to increase appetite, has a choleretic and diuretic effect
For people with diabetes or chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, tangelo fruits are contraindicated. They are not recommended for gastritis accompanied by high acidity.
Rules for selection and storage
How to choose the right fruit:
- When purchasing, pay attention to the peel of the fruit. It should be without signs of rot, black or brown spots on the surface.
- The fresh product exudes a pleasant aroma.
- If the fruit is too light, this indicates that the pulp inside has begun to dry out.
It is best to store tangelo in the refrigerator, on a fruit shelf. It remains usable for two weeks. The shelf life of the hybrid in room conditions is no more than 2-3 days. It is recommended to wrap fruits cut into slices with cling film and store them in the refrigerator.
The hybrid has a rather thick peel, which allows it to be transported over long distances.
Application
Essential oils are obtained from the skin of the hybrid, which are widely used in cosmetology. It is added when making shower gel, soap, shampoo, and scrub.
Tangelo has also found application in European and American cuisines. It is added to fruit and meat salads, it goes well with seafood, and is used to make desserts - confiture, jam, preserves. The pulp of the fruit is placed inside confectionery products for baking.
In medicine, the fruit is recommended to be consumed to increase immunity and for vitamin deficiency. It has antioxidant properties and helps remove salts and toxins from the body.
Conclusion
A hybrid of tangerine and grapefruit is best consumed fresh. People have gotten used to using fruits to make preserves, jams and confitures. The fruits are recommended for consumption by older people and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
