Tangerine and Mandarin Peel: Economic Importance, Uses and By-Products

August 31, 2023 Agric4Profits

Tangerine and Mandarin Peel is relatively thin and smooth compared to some other citrus fruits. It is easily separable from the fruit’s flesh. The peel is usually a vibrant orange color, though some varieties can range from deep orange to reddish-orange. Tangerine peels are aromatic and release a fragrant, citrusy scent when scratched or rubbed. The essential oils found in the peel contribute to this pleasant aroma.

The peel of tangerines is often used in cooking and baking to add citrusy flavor to dishes. It is less bitter compared to other citrus peels and has a sweeter, slightly tangy taste. Tangerine peel is used in various culinary applications, such as zest for flavoring desserts, marinades, sauces, and even teas. It can also be candied and used as a garnish or added to baked goods.

Similarly, mandarins are also small citrus fruits with a slightly flattened shape, and they are often confused with tangerines due to their similar appearance and taste. Mandarin peel refers to the outer covering of the mandarin fruit.

Mandarin peel is thin and easy to peel away from the fruit’s segments. It is less adherent to the flesh than the peels of some other citrus fruits. The color of mandarin peel can vary, ranging from deep orange to reddish-orange or even slightly yellow, depending on the variety. tangerine peel, mandarin peel is aromatic and releases a pleasant citrus fragrance when scratched or squeezed. The essential oils in the peel contribute to this aroma.

Mandarin peel has a sweeter and less intense flavor compared to other citrus peels. It’s often used to add a mild citrusy note to dishes. Similar to tangerine peel, mandarin peel is used in cooking and baking to provide citrus flavor to a variety of dishes. It can also be dried and used in teas or herbal infusions.

Both tangerine and mandarin peels have similar characteristics due to their close botanical relationship. They are prized for their aromatic qualities and the flavor they can add to culinary creations. The choice between using tangerine or mandarin peel often comes down to personal preference and the specific flavor profile desired in a dish.

The Economic Importance and Uses of Tangerine and Mandarin Peel

Tangerine and mandarin peels have several economic importance and uses beyond their role as fruit waste. They contain various compounds that can be utilized in different industries and applications.

Here are some of the economic importance and uses of tangerine and mandarin peels:

1. Food Flavorings and Fragrances: Tangerine and mandarin peels contain essential oils that are rich in aromatic compounds. These essential oils can be extracted and used as flavorings and fragrances in the food and beverage industry. They are often used to enhance the taste and aroma of products like candies, desserts, beverages, and sauces.

2. Cosmetics and Toiletries: The essential oils from tangerine and mandarin peels are also used in the cosmetics and toiletries industry. They can be found in perfumes, colognes, lotions, and other personal care products due to their pleasant scent and potential skin benefits.

3. Aromatherapy and Essential Oils: The aromatic compounds in tangerine and mandarin peels make them suitable for use in aromatherapy. Essential oils derived from these peels are used in diffusers and massages to promote relaxation, alleviate stress, and improve mood.

4. Pharmaceuticals and Traditional Medicine: Tangerine and mandarin peels contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants that have potential health benefits. In traditional medicine, these peels have been used to treat various ailments, including digestive issues and respiratory problems.

5. Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements: Extracts from tangerine and mandarin peels can be processed into nutraceuticals and dietary supplements. These supplements may contain concentrated forms of the bioactive compounds found in the peels, which can offer potential health-promoting effects.

6. Animal Feed Additives: The dried and processed peels can be used as feed additives for livestock. They can provide additional nutrients and antioxidants to the animals’ diets, potentially improving their overall health and well-being.

7. Biodegradable Materials: The peels contain pectin, a natural polysaccharide that can be extracted and used as a thickening or gelling agent in the food industry. Pectin can also be used in the production of biodegradable films and coatings for food packaging.

8. Biofuel Production: Tangerine and mandarin peels can be utilized in the production of biofuels or bioenergy through processes such as anaerobic digestion or fermentation. The organic materials in the peels can be broken down to produce methane or ethanol.

9. Natural Cleaning Agents: The essential oils from tangerine and mandarin peels have cleaning properties and a pleasant scent. They can be used to create natural cleaning solutions for household use.

10. Textile and Paper Industries: Compounds from tangerine and mandarin peels can be used in the textile and paper industries for dyeing fabrics and producing specialty papers with added color or scent.

11. Flavor Enhancers in Cooking and Baking: Dried and ground tangerine and mandarin peels can be used as natural flavor enhancers in cooking and baking. They add a citrusy and aromatic profile to dishes, especially in recipes that call for orange zest or citrus flavors.

12. Alcohol Production: The peels can be used in the production of alcoholic beverages such as liqueurs and spirits. Their aromatic compounds and flavors can be infused into alcohol to create unique and flavorful drinks.

13. Waste Water Treatment: Some compounds found in tangerine and mandarin peels have been studied for their potential use in wastewater treatment. They can help remove heavy metals and other pollutants from water through processes like adsorption.

14. Natural Pest Control: The essential oils extracted from tangerine and mandarin peels can be used as natural pest repellents in agriculture. They may help deter insects and pests from crops, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

15. Art and Craft Supplies: Dried tangerine and mandarin peels can be used in art and craft projects. They can be used for creating textures, patterns, and designs in various artistic mediums.

16. Bioactive Compounds Extraction: The bioactive compounds present in tangerine and mandarin peels, such as limonoids and flavonoids, can be extracted and utilized for their potential health benefits in various formulations, including supplements and functional foods.

17. Culinary Infusions: Tangerine and mandarin peels can be infused into oils, vinegars, and syrups, adding their distinctive flavors to culinary creations. These infused products can be used in salad dressings, marinades, and beverages.

18. Composting and Soil Enrichment: Tangerine and mandarin peels are rich in organic matter and nutrients. They can be composted to create nutrient-rich soil amendments that improve soil structure and fertility.

19. Candle Making: The essential oils extracted from tangerine and mandarin peels can be used in candle making. These oils provide natural scents that can enhance the ambiance of a space when candles are burned.

20. Herbal Teas: Dried tangerine and mandarin peels can be used to make herbal teas. These teas may have mild citrus flavors and potentially offer some of the health benefits associated with the compounds in the peels.

21. Floral Arrangements: Dried peels can be used in floral arrangements and potpourri to add visual interest, texture, and a subtle citrus fragrance.

22. Culinary Garnishes: Thin strips or curls of tangerine and mandarin peels can be candied or dried and used as decorative garnishes for desserts, cocktails, and savory dishes.

23. Educational Purposes: Tangerine and mandarin peels can be used for educational purposes, such as teaching about composting, natural dyes, and the extraction of essential oils in schools and workshops.

The Products and By-products That Can Be Derived From Tangerine and Mandarin Peel

Tangerine and mandarin peels are versatile by-products that can be used to produce various products, ranging from food and beverages to essential oils and household cleaners.

Here’s a list of products and by-products that can be derived from tangerine and mandarin peels, along with brief explanations:

1. Essential Oil: Tangerine and mandarin peels can be cold-pressed or steam-distilled to extract essential oils. These oils are used in aromatherapy, perfumes, skincare products, and flavoring.

2. Citrus Peel Powder: Dried and powdered tangerine and mandarin peels can be used as flavoring agents, natural food colorants, and in herbal teas.

3. Candied Peel: The peels can be candied by simmering them in sugar syrup and then drying. These candied peels are often used as a confectionery ingredient, cake decoration, or snack.

4. Zest: The outermost colored layer of the peel, known as zest, can be used as a flavoring agent in cooking and baking, adding a bright citrusy aroma and taste.

5. Dietary Fiber Supplements: Citrus peel is rich in dietary fiber. It can be dried, powdered, and processed into dietary supplements or added to foods for increased fiber content.

6. Animal Feed Additive: Dried and powdered citrus peels can be included in animal feed as a source of fiber and certain nutrients.

7. Cosmetic Ingredients: Citrus peel extracts can be used in skincare products due to their potential antioxidant and skin-brightening properties.

8. Flavor Enhancer: Dried and ground tangerine and mandarin peels can be used as a natural flavor enhancer in culinary dishes, marinades, and sauces.

9. Household Cleaners: Citrus peel extracts contain natural compounds that can be used in homemade cleaners due to their degreasing and antibacterial properties.

10. Bioactive Compounds: The peels contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, limonoids, and polyphenols, which have potential health benefits and can be used in dietary supplements.

11. Agricultural Use: Citrus peels can be used as mulch or compost in gardening and agriculture, enriching the soil with organic matter.

12. Citrus Vinegar: Fermented citrus peels can be used to make citrus-infused vinegar, which can be used in cooking and cleaning.

13. Aromatics: Dried citrus peels can be added to potpourri mixes or used to create scented sachets.

14. Biodegradable Cleaner Scrub: Dried and powdered citrus peels can be mixed with other natural ingredients to create a scrub for cleaning surfaces, dishes, and more.

15. Natural Insect Repellent: The scent of citrus peels can deter insects. Placing peels around the house or using citrus-infused sprays can help keep pests away.

16. Medicinal Uses: In some traditional practices, citrus peels are used for their potential medicinal properties, such as aiding digestion.

In conclusion, it is important to note that while these are potential uses for tangerine and mandarin peels, not all of them may be commercially viable or suitable for every situation. Additionally, proper processing and safety considerations are important when utilizing these by-products.