Citrus enthusiasts constantly claim that Honeybell Tangelos are one of the sweetest, juiciest, and most flavorful citrus fruits you can find. But what is a Tangelo?
Tangelo tree, scientifically named Citrus x Tangelo, is a sweet orange hybrid of any mandarin orange and grapefruit (or its parent the pummelo thus the name Tangelo, the portmanteau of tangerine and pummelo).
Tangelo trees are typically large and thrive in areas with a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. The fragrant blossoms produced by Tangelo trees are white or near white. But the question is, “When do Tangelo trees bloom?” Well, the Tangelo bloom season is in late winter or early spring. The Tangelo fruits range in size from a common sweet orange to the size of a grapefruit but usually come with a stubby neck of peel on one end. Fruits borne from dwarf Tangelo trees are the same in size and quality as that from standard-size trees.
Tangelo Nutrition Facts
- Tangelos, including the Honeybell Tangelo, are a great source of vitamin C, which plays a vital role in our body’s tissue growth and repair. Vitamin C is also a known antioxidant that helps the body fight off diseases and infections.
- Fruits of Minneola Tangelo tree contain B9 or folate that is needed for the body to produce red and white blood cells in the bone marrow, transform carbohydrates into energy, and make DNA and RNA.
- Tangelos are a good source of vitamin A, which is important in different body functions. Vitamin A helps the lungs, kidneys, heart, and other internal organs to function properly. It also plays an important role in keeping the eyes have normal vision, boost the immune system, and improve reproduction.
- Other essential nutrients found in Tangelos are potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber.
Tangelo Tree Care
Watering – Healthy roots can be established in young standard or dwarf Minneola Tangelo Tree by watering 1 inch of water once a week during the growing season. Do not leave the tree in standing water or soggy ground by ensuring the soul drains well.
Cold Protection – Before you buy a Tangelo tree, make sure that you can provide the tree cold-protection during the winter season. Temperatures below 20°F can cause considerable damage to Tangelo trees. You can blanket or landscape fabrics to cover the tree to provide it some protection, or you can plant the tree in a pot and move it indoors when winter comes.
Fertilizer – For optimal growth and fruit production, you must feed your recently bought Tangelo tree for sale with citrus fertilizer as soon as new growth appears on the tree. Make sure to follow the package instructions for proper application.