Botanical Name: Citrus × tangelo
Family: Rutaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Sapindales
Genus: Citrus
Species: C. × tangelo
Common Names: Tangelo, Honeybells
Habitat:
A tangelo is a type of hybrid citrus fruit that results from the cross between a tangerine and a pomelo or grapefruit. Most tangelos are known by their breed, which reflects the region in Florida where they are commonly grown. The Minneola is a large, juicy tangelo with few seeds. A tangelo has 13 g of total carbohydrates or 4 percent of the daily allowance. This is 2 percent of the daily value for protein.
Description
A deliciously sweet fruit most often mistaken for an unusually shaped orange, the tangelo is a bright red-orange hybrid of a tangerine and grapefruit. With an unmistakable sweetness countered by a tart aftertaste (courteous of its grapefruit ancestor), tangelos are the size of a fist and topped by a characteristic knob. Alternatively known as Honeyballs, tangelos are seedless, easy to peel and have a thick skin similar that of oranges. The most popular and prolific variety of the tangelo is the Minneola, a cross between the Duncan grapefruit and Darcy tangerine. An incredibly juicy and flavourful variety, Minneola tangelos can be substituted for oranges or tangerines in any recipe, for a slightly sweeter result. December through February is the best times to consume this fruit.
Health Benefits:
Prevent or relieve constipation: Dietary fiber also helps in lowering the risk of diabetes and heart diseases. The average tangelo has just 70 calories. It also has two grams of fiber and high water content. This makes people feel more satisfied after they eat tangelos. The fruit is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth and lose weight at the same time.
Nutritional value of Tangelo:
Tangelo is a great source of flavonoids, potassium, folic acid and vitamin C. Tangelos are also a great source of dietary fiber and are low in both saturated and unsaturated fat.
Aside from their sweet and zesty taste, another reason that you should consider eating tangelos is that they can offer you a handful of health benefits. Tangelos, being the hybrid of the tangerine and pomelo/grapefruit, contain the nutritional benefits of both of these fruits. Here are a few of the nutrients and minerals that you can get from this fruit and how they can contribute to your health:
*Vitamin A. Tangelos contain a considerable amount of vitamin A, which is essential for visual health. It may also help protect against macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of age-related blindness.
*Vitamin C. Like other citrus fruits, tangelos are rich in vitamin C. This vitamin is extremely important due to its contribution to the immune system’s optimal function. Inadequate vitamin C in the body often leads to lower resistance against pathogens and viruses, which causes a heightened susceptibility to infections and diseases.9
*Flavanones. Flavonoids are important nutrients that have antioxidant properties. Tangelos contain flavanones, a specific type of flavonoid, which helps in minimizing the risk of strokes and other cardiovascular diseases.
*Calcium, potassium and magnesium. Getting adequate amounts of these minerals is essential for the body’s skeletal and cardiovascular function. Calcium is important for the strength of the bones and teeth and may also help in regulating blood pressure. These minerals together have also been observed to reduce the risk of hypertension.
*Dietary fiber. Tangelo contains high amounts of dietary fiber, which is important for smooth digestion. High-fiber foods may also aid in the prevention of hypertension, obesity and stroke. It can also help in lowering the blood sugar levels in the body.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangelo
https://www.spillednews.com/2017/12/tangelo-health-benefits-nutritional.html
https://healthfully.com/285166-tangelo-nutrition-information.html
