This is how you recognize fresh tangerines. You won’t buy overripe fruit again

When choosing tangerines, it is worth starting from the color and condition of the peel. The intense orange color usually indicates ripeness. In turn, greenish or yellowish shades may mean that the fruit has not had time to fully develop its flavor.

The tangerine peel should slightly stick out from the flesh. This is a sign that the fruit is juicy and fresh. Too tight or wrinkled skin indicates that the mandarin is too dry or has been aged for too long. It is also worth looking at the place where the fruit was connected to the twig. A light, soft cavity indicates freshness, while a dark or woody mark is a signal that the fruit was harvested a long time ago and is gradually losing its value.

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In addition to its appearance, what also matters is how the tangerine fits in your hand. Heavier they are usually juicier because they contain more natural juices. Light tangerine, despite its nice appearance, often turns out to be dry and not very aromatic. Another important criterion is the smell. Fresh tangerine smells intensely of citrus fruits, and you can feel its aroma as soon as you hold it in your hand. If the fruit does not emit any odor, it is probably overripe or picked long ago. It is also worth taking a look at the country of origin. Tangerines imported from Spain or Morocco are usually sweeter and have thinner skin, while those from Turkey tend to be harder and less juicy..

When buying tangerines, don’t rely solely on appearance, because perfectly smooth skin does not always mean good quality. It is better to spend a moment assessing the weight, color and smell, these three features most effectively reveal freshness. Thanks to this, you will avoid disappointment and enjoy the real taste of winter fruits, which not only smell beautiful, but are also full of vitamin C and natural sweetness.