Tangerines have been cultivated for 3,000 years in china and Japan. However, they did not reach Europe and North America until the nineteenth century.

The name tangerine comes from Tangier, Morocco, a North African port from which the first tangerines were shipped to Europe.

Tangerines are a citrus fruit in the mandarin family. The flavor is distinctive and usually less tart than an orange. Tangerines are smaller than most oranges and somewhat flat at the ends. They have skin that is deep orange in color, loose-fitting and pebbly. Good tangerines will be firm to slightly soft and heavy for their size.

The number of seeds in each segment varies greatly.

The season for tangerines are November thru January. They are grown in Florida, California, Arizona and Texas.

Tangerines are most commonly peeled and eaten out of hand. They are also used in salads, desserts and main dishes.

Tangerines are a good source of Vitamin C, folate and beta- carotene. They also contain some potassium, magnesium and Vitamins B1, B2 and B3.

Children's Books References: Tangerine by Edward Bloor Tangerine and Tea, My Grandparents and Me: An Alphabet Book by Ona Gritz recipes-for-spring-dessert