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A hybrid of a mandarin and a grapefruit is called a tangelo. Unlike other citrus fruits, the culture has high frost resistance. The fruits are not inferior in chemical composition to their parents. They have been used in cosmetology, cooking and medicine.
The name of the hybrid tangerine with grapefruit
A citrus sweet fruit obtained by crossing one of the varieties of mandarin – tangerine and grapefruit, was called tangelo.
History of appearance and description
The culture resulting from a mixture of mandarin and grapefruit, called tangelo, was first obtained in 1897 on the plantations of the US Department of Agriculture. The fruit, which was grown by scientists Herbert Weber and Waltor Swingl, turned out to be unlike other members of the Rutaceae family.
The hybrid is cultivated in countries with a subtropical climate.
The culture is grown on special plantations and in private gardens in the states of California and Florida. Also, the plant can be found in Turkey and Israel.
Trees of a hybrid based on mandarin and grapefruit are more like orange trees. They reach a height of 7-8 m. The leaves are malachite-green in color, oval in shape, pointed at the end.
The weight depends on the variety of mandarin 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 rounded, slightly elongated at the base. The pulp is sweet and sour, it occurs in two shades – yellow and orange, there are few seeds. The peel is carrot-orange in color, easy to clean.
What is the difference between a hybrid and other citrus fruits
The main difference between the hybrid of mandarin and grapefruit is the high frost resistance of the culture. The plant tolerates cold worse than tangerine, but better than grapefruit. At the same time, the trees require careful care, otherwise, you will not have to count on the harvest.
Chemical composition and calorific value
A hybrid of mandarin and grapefruit can be attributed to dietary fruits. 100 g of the 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 trace elements 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 | А | 49 μg |
Sodium | 4 mg | Folic acid | 10 μg |
Magnesium | 10 mg | В1 | 50 μg |
Hardware | 0,3 mg | В2 | 30 μg |
potassium | 0,14 g | В3 | 0,3 mg |
Calcium | 22 mg | С | 28 mg |
The chemical composition of the peel of the hybrid includes essential oils. The white film contains ballast and secondary plant matter.
What is useful hybrid tangerine and grapefruit
The use of a hybrid of mandarin and grapefruit has a positive effect on the work of many organs and systems. Fruits provide the body with fiber, saturated and unsaturated fats, which lower blood sugar levels, normalize digestion, and are preventive measures to prevent the development of stroke, obesity and hypertension.
The benefits of a hybrid of tangerine and grapefruit:
- Vitamin A is good for the health of the organs of vision, protects against age-related blindness.
- Group B has a beneficial effect on the nervous system of the body, does not allow the development of neurological disorders. Vitamins are essential for the formation and maturation of red blood cells. Participate in DNA synthesis.
- Vitamin B12 has a positive effect on liver function, lowers cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Nicotinic acid helps strengthen capillaries and blood vessels.
- With regular use of vitamin C, immunity increases and the body’s ability to resist various viruses and infections. Tangelo fruits have properties to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of developing hypertension.
- Flavonoids inhibit 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 the supply of oxygen to the brain, promotes mental clarity. Helps to get rid of toxins.
Tangelo has the ability to increase appetite, has a choleretic and diuretic effect.
For people with diabetes mellitus, chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, tangelo fruits are contraindicated. They are not recommended for gastritis, accompanied by high acidity.
Selection and storage rules
How to choose the right fruit:
- When buying, pay attention to the peel of the fruit. It should be without signs of rot, black or brown spots on the surface.
- A 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 shelf for fruits. It remains usable for two weeks. The shelf life of the hybrid at room conditions is no more than 2-3 days. Sliced uXNUMXbuXNUMXbfruits are recommended to wrap with cling film and store in the refrigerator.
The hybrid has a rather thick peel, which allows it to be transported over long distances.
Application
From the skin of the hybrid, essential oils are obtained, which are widely used in cosmetology. It is added in the manufacture of shower gel, soap, shampoo, scrub.
Tangelo has also found its way into 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 the confectionery for baking.
In medicine, fruit is recommended to be used to increase immunity, with beriberi. It has antioxidant properties, helps to remove salts and toxins from the body.
Conclusion
A hybrid of mandarin and grapefruit is best consumed fresh. People got used to using fruits for making preserves, jams and marmalades. Fruits are recommended to be eaten by the elderly and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
