What is it?
This fruit is the result of a cross between a tangerine and a grapefruit or pomelo (a large citrus fruit that is related to the grapefruit); the name is a combination of tangerine and pomelo. Tangelos look like large oranges; the most popular variety, Minneola, has a distinct knob like projection on the stem end. Although they are closer to tangerines than to grapefruits in flavour, they have a taste all their own.

Where does it come from?
The tangelo is an accidental or purposeful cross between a mandarin orange and a grapefruit or pomelo. The first known incidence of the tangelo in the United States occurred in 1897 in Florida.

Is it good for me?
Tangelos are rich in phytochemicals and Vitamin C. Phytochemicals are chemicals found in plants that have protective or disease preventive properties. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that has a range of benefits including supporting the immune system. It is necessary to form collagen (an important protein used to make skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels). Vitamin C is essential for the healing of wounds, and for the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.

How to eat it:

Ideas for using tangelos

• Make fresh juice by blending one kilo of tangelos with one or two apples.

• Try a mixed citrus salad for dessert with oranges, grapefruit and tangelos. Stir through a  little passionfruit pulp and serve with yoghurt.

• Sprinkle fish with tangelo juice, salt and pepper and cook in foil parcels.

• Chop tangelo flesh in chunks and add to a basic muffin mixture. Garnish muffin tops with thin slices of tangelo with peel left on.

• Make a tangy salad dressing by combining tangelo juice and zest with apple cider vinegar, grated ginger and a bit of chili (if you like it). Use on coleslaw or green salad.