Winter Tangerines

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In today's Close Up, we will learn more about tangerines, Korea's signature subtropical fruit that adds a tangy zest to the cold, drab winter. Here’s more.

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Heaps of tangerines are stacked up at a fruit section in a Seoul supermarket.

[Soundbite] "I like tangerines so much that I wait for the winter to come."

Tangerines selling in the market now are a species harvested in Jeju Island between October and Janaury. Various hybrids of tangerines have been developed through breed improvement. First, this is hallabong. Known for its refreshing flavor, the fruit's name comes from the protruding stalk that resembles Mt. Hallasan. With its reddish rind, redhyang is a hybrid between hallbong and tangerine. As a crossbreed between an orange and tangerine, the name of cheonhyehyang refers to its strong scent that is said to travel as far as 400 kilometers. Cheonhyehyang is famous for its sweet taste and juicy flesh. Hwanggeumhyang is a hybrid between hallabong and cheonhyehyang. It has a unique mouthfeel thanks to its plump segments. With the fantastic scent and flavor, tangerines also have health benefits.

[Soundbite] Yoon Seon(Yonsei University) : "Tangerines are so rich in vitamin C that two tangerines a day are enough to meet the recommended daily intake of the nutrient."

Here are some good recipes calling for tangerines. First, let's cook tangerine rice in a stone pot. Peel the skin and prepare some tangerine juice. Chop up some carrots, jujube dates and shiitake mushroom. Place them on washed rice and pour a good amount of tangerine juice in. With the smell of tangerine, the rice is characterized by a new refreshing flavor.

[Soundbite] "Tangerine rice is sweet and sour. It tastes good."

Next, let's make tangerine jellies. Soak gelatin in cold water for some ten minutes. Blend peeled tangerines in a mixer and strain the juice. Add tangerine juice, gelatin and sugar to a pot to heat and melt them. And then leave the mixture to cool off. It is good to use the thin white inner pulp as a jelly. Fill the pulpy bags with the prepared tangerine juice and leave them in a freezer for two hours. Voila, here are your appetizing tangerine jellies.

[Soundbite] "I want to eat tangerine jellies every day."

Keep tangerines in your pantry to stay healthy during the harsh cold winter.