The tango tangerine, also known as the tango mandarin is one of the most successful varieties of citrus to come out of the University of California Riverside’s Citrus Breeding Program. The tango is nearly identical to the W. Murcott mandarin, it is unique feature is that unlike the W. Murcott the tango tangerine is seedless. On the marketplace tango tangerines are also often sold under the well-known names Delite and Cutie.

The tango tangerine is a mid to late season variety mandarin. Medium in size by mandarin standards the tango tangerine has a squat shape and smooth skin. It thin vivid orange hued rind is easy to peel once the fruit is mature. The tango tangerine has an exceptionally juicy inner flesh and can be divided into 9 to 10 nearly seedless segments. Tango tangerines offer a sweet citrus flavor with mild sour notes. Its rind is rich with citrus oil and aromatic when pierced or muddled.

Serving Ideas

The tango tangerine can be used in both fresh and cooked applications wherever tangerines or mandarins are called for. As a seedless variety of tangerine segments of the fruit are ideal for use whole in stir-fries, salads, cocktails, sauces and pastries. Their easy to peel skin and seedless nature also make them one of the most popular varieties of tangerine to eat fresh out of hand. Their balanced sweet tart citrus flavor pairs well with avocado, arugula, cucumber, chocolate, honey, cream, almonds, green beans, seafood, rosemary and mint.

Geography/History

Developed by the University of California at Riverside, tango tangerines are a new hybrid variety of Murcott mandarin. Most tangerines are self-pollinating but this does not stop bees from attempting to pollinate them, a process which results in the fruits developing seeds. The tango was created by eliminating the budwood of the W. Murcott tangerine resulting in a sterile fruit that will rarely develop seeds. First introduced in 2006 the tango tangerine has quickly become popular with both consumers and farmers alike. Currently they are grown predominately in California where over 1.6 million trees have been planted since their introduction. Florida received trees as well yet growth there has been delayed due to laws regarding out of state citrus quarantine practices. Florida trees are expected to begin producing fruit for distribution on the east coast sometime in 2014.

Seasons/Availability

Tango tangerines are available in the late winter and early spring months.