Unlocking the secret health boost in tangerines. The often discarded treasure known as albedo

Our ancestors knew that various health benefits can be found in vegetable and fruit peels. So, if we rely on these items for their health benefits, why would we dispose of their peels? Regrettably, this is a common practice with apples, beetroot, or kiwi and tangerines.

It is perhaps rare to find someone in Poland who isn't conscious that fruits are healthy. Citrus fruits, in particular, have earned recognition in various forms. For decades, orange, lemon, and grapefruit juices have stood as symbols of health in social discourse.

However, as summer draws to a close and the desire for cooling orange juice fades, Poles begin to turn their attention to tangerines. Their taste, aroma, and appearance invoke a simple association - Christmas is approaching. This is a tradition that has been with us since the era of the Polish People's Republic, and there's no sign of it changing. Thankfully, tangerines are exceedingly healthy fruits. Particularly, one often neglected part known as the "albedo".

The abundant nutritional value of tangerines is largely concentrated in the albedo, which is the white peel situated between the pulp and the orange skin of the fruit. The slightly bitter taste of this part often leads people to discard it with caution. This is unfortunate because by doing so, we deprive the tangerine of its optimum health benefits.

The albedo is packed with nutrients that are beneficial for the human body. Primarily, it contains pectins and flavonoids that regulate cholesterol, and serve as powerful antioxidants protecting against cancer, diabetes and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, the albedo is a source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber which promote a feeling of fullness, a sensation that will undoubtedly be useful during the Christmas season!