DANCY TANGERINE SKIN

The tangerines were the predominant type offered in consumer markets, but over time, they were removed from orchards in favor of modern cultivars. Throughout the beginning of the 20th century, Dancy tangerines were nicknamed Christmas tangerines for their presence in markets during the holiday season. The tangerines were once commercially grown for fresh use and processing.

Dancy tangerines, also known as Dancy mandarins, are one of the oldest varieties of tangerines grown in Florida and are a pure, nonhybrid mandarin favored for their sweet, tart, and tangy flavoring.

The mid to late-season tangerines develop on evergreen trees reaching 3 to 4 meters in height and are a slow-growing variety, taking 3 to 5 years to begin bearing fruit. Dancy tangerines release a robust floral and fruity aroma when peeled, and the flesh has high acidity and sugar, creating a complex, sweet, and tart taste with rich, spice-like nuances.ĭancy tangerines are available in the late fall through the winter.ĭancy tangerines, botanically classified as Citrus reticulata, are an American variety belonging to the Rutaceae family. The flesh is also divided into 10 to 11 segments by white membranes, and each fruit can contain anywhere from 6 to 20 ivory, oval seeds. Underneath the rind is almost no bitter white pith, and the saturated orange flesh is tender, aqueous, and succulent with a subtly chewy consistency. On some older fruits, the surface may develop a bumpy texture.

DANCY TANGERINE SKIN

The skin has a smooth, glossy, and leathery appearance, pocked with tiny oil glands, and ripens from orange to dark orange-red. The tangerine's rind is thin, making it easy to peel but also easily damaged. It is important to note that the fruit size may vary depending on climate and cultivation practices. Dancy tangerines are a small to medium-sized varietal, averaging 5 to 6 centimeters in diameter, and have a round, oblate, to pear-shape, sometimes showcasing a small neck on the stem end with a depressed apex.