Mandarin, Tangerine Citrus reticulata Family: Rutaceae CTFA name: Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel

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Photo © Steven Foster

Introduction

Native to Southeast Asia, mandarins and tangerines are citrus fruits produced on large shrubs or small spiny trees¹  that grow to 20 feet in height.²  The tree produces small fragrant white flowers in spring and summer followed by yellow to red-orange fruits¹  that begin appearing in autumn and peak in winter.³  

The classification of these citrus fruits is complex and confusing, with sources often contradicting one another. One botanical classification of Citrus reticulata groups mandarins, tangerines, and satsumas together, which many consider an oversimplification.^2,4,5  Others have them listed as different species and hybrids but group them as mandarins.⁶  Some sources list tangerines as a cultivar or subgroup of mandarins.³  Because their uses overlap and are often interchangeable, they are discussed together in this overview with mandarins being originally from Asia and Europe and tangerines from the U.S.

Mandarins are grown in Italy, Spain, the Mediterranean, the Middle East,⁷  and in several provinces of China.^7,8  Tangerines are cultivated in many regions of the United States and in Guinea.²  The fruit and outer peel are primarily used, but not exclusively.¹  

History and Cultural Significance

The species name reticulata is Latin for netted which refers to the net-like fibrous strands under the easily removed peel.⁸  Highly prized for its flavor and fragrance,⁵  the fruit was given to the Mandarins who were high officials in the Chinese Empire³  as a traditional gift.²  When the fruit was introduced into Europe in 1805, it was nicknamed mandarins by Sir Abraham Hume and was either a reference to the color the Mandarins wore or implied superiority.³  In the 1840s, they were shipped from Tangiers, a seaport in Morocco, to the United States, where they were renamed tangerines.^3,9  

The fruits, peels, and seeds are employed in culinary and traditional medicinal applications.¹  The fruit is almost always eaten fresh,^3,5  but is also juiced, preserved, and dried.⁴  Traditional Chinese medicine uses the dried peel to regulate abnormal qi or chi (the energy that some cultures believe flows through the human body) that may cause various ailments such as stomach and respiratory complaints, immune system stress, and menstrual cramps.^7,8,9  

Two different essential oils are produced.^2,3  There is the mandarin peel oil from the outer peel and the mandarin petitgrain oil, less commonly made from steam distilled leaves, twigs, and sometimes unripe fruits.²  Current commercial use for mandarin oil is primarily as a flavoring agent for desserts, soft drinks, and liqueurs.^2,4  The sweet scent of mandarin oil makes it suitable for perfumes⁹  and indoor air fresheners.¹⁰  In combination with other citrus oils,²  it is used in aromatherapy as stress relief for anxiety and nervousness.^2,12  It is also used to aid digestion, as a mild diuretic and laxative, and for many skin conditions such as acne, scars, and stretch marks.²  

Modern Research

Results from one laboratory study suggest that the internal use of C. reticulata peel may help with H. pylori associated ulcers¹¹  and be beneficial in colon cancer.¹²  However, no human clinical studies have been published specifically on the uses of C. reticulata peel or oils.

Future Outlook

While there is a great deal of information on citrus in general, none is available on the market statistics and sustainability of mandarin or tangerine in particular.