Tangelo Nutrition Facts

Tangelos are considered to be a type of tangerines, and are noted for their juiciness and mild sweet flavor. There are basically two popular varieties of tangelos, first variety is the Minneola tangelos and second variety is the Orlando tangelos.

Compared to oranges, tangerines are smaller in size and have a looser peel, which is easy to remove. These characteristics of tangerines make them an ideal snack. Here are some interesting facts about this fruit

• Tangelos are also widely known as the honeybell fruit, which is a hybrid fruit.
• They are a cross between the pomelo/grapefruit, and the mandarin orange.

• The Minneola variety is identified by its knob-like formation at the stem, and its deep orange color.
• Mandarin oranges are a cross between a tangerine and an orange.
• Tangerines have a deep orange color too, and a pebbly texture peel which is easy to remove.

For a serving of a small-sized tangelo fruit, there are around 32 calories. The nutrition for one small-sized serving of fruit are:

• Total Fat - 0.08 g
• Saturated Fat - 0.01 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat - 0.017 g
• Monounsaturated Fat - 0.016 g

• Cholesterol - 0
• Total Carbohydrates - 7.99 g
• Dietary Fiber - 16 g
• Potassium - 123 mg
• Protein - 0.64 g
• Sugars - 6.36 g
• Vitamin A - 0
• Vitamin C - 160 g
• Calcium - 7.99 g
• Iron - 0

» Is an excellent source of vitamin C and flavonoids.
» Helps in curing, and preventing common cold and throat infections.
» Good for treating urinary tract infection, and other problems related to respiration like asthma and bronchitis.
» Also helps in preventing the damage done by free radicals, and hence, prevents premature aging.

» Beneficial for the immune system.
» Help in preventing many cancers and viral infections.
» Good source of dietary fiber. So, these fruits are especially helpful for people who are aiming at weight loss.

» The fiber also helps to prevent or relieve constipation, and lower the risk of diabetes and heart diseases.
» One small-sized fruit delivers around 3% of daily value of bone strengthening calcium.

» Select fruits which are soft and heavy for their size, and have a smooth skin.
» The fruit should have a dark orange color, which is nearly red.
» Avoid tangelos which have dull colors, or rough and bumpy skin.

» You can enjoy the fruit raw, cook it, add it to salads, etc.
» It is best eaten raw, and is easy to peel. You can have the fruit or its juice during breakfast.
» Fresh and raw pieces can also be added to salads.
» You can use tangelos for recipes which require oranges for cooking, but make sure you add them near the end of the cooking time so the fruits doesn't break down.

Tangelos can be stored at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, or refrigerated to store for longer periods. So, use the above tips to pick the best ones, and enjoy the tang!