Tangelos

Tangelos are a family of hybrids between Dancy tangerines and Pummelos/or grapefruits. The cross-breeding has happened both accidentally and intentionally over the years.Tangelos look like big oranges, but have a tartness to them. They have a neck (or bump) on the end where the stem was. The skin, which can be rough or smooth, is loose and generally thin and easily peeled. The colour of the skin can be orange to dark orange. The skin has a grapefruit-like aroma.

They are grown in Florida, but not in California.

There are now (2004) at least 7 varieties of Tangelos. Sometimes the Uniq (or “Ugli”) fruit is classified in the Tangelo family.

Equivalents

1 fresh Tangelo = 6 oz = 170g

History Notes

First deliberate cross was done by a Dr Walter T. Swingle in the US Department of Agriculture Citrus Breeding Programme at Eustis, Florida in 1897. He was involved in the following fruits: Murcott Orange, Orlando Tangelo, Tangelos and Kumquats.

Literature & Lore

The plural is “tangelos”.

Language Notes

The name comes from combining a part of the word “Tangerine” with a part of the word “Pummelo“.

Related entries

Other names

Scientific Name: Citrus X tangelo

This page first published: Jan 10, 2004 · Updated: Jun 17, 2020.

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