Tango mandarin (Citrus reticulata) grown in Chile and marketed under the Gesex® brand, selected in commercial size #1X. Tango is a late-season mandarin recognized for being virtually seedless, with intense orange coloration, easy-peeling skin, high juiciness and an excellent balance of sweetness and acidity. Combined with good firmness and postharvest performance, these characteristics make Tango particularly attractive for the premium fresh-fruit market.
Organoleptic Properties
Round to slightly flattened fruit with thin to medium-thickness, relatively smooth skin that develops an intense orange color at commercial maturity. The peel separates readily from the flesh, allowing the segments to be easily removed. Bright-orange flesh with a tender, firm and highly juicy texture. Fresh and pronounced citrus aroma. Predominantly sweet and aromatic flavor complemented by pleasant acidity for a refreshing, balanced finish. One of Tango's most commercially valuable characteristics is its virtually seedless nature, even under a range of pollination conditions.
Suggested Uses
Excellent for fresh consumption and convenient snacking due to its easy-peeling characteristics and practical absence of seeds. Ideal for lunch boxes, fruit platters, salads, breakfast applications, yogurt, bowls, bakery, desserts, juices, beverages and cocktails. Its attractive color and convenient eating characteristics make it particularly suitable for retail, hotels, restaurants, catering, buffets and foodservice.
Format
C-CTN carton with an approximate weight of ±10 Kg, commercial size #1X. Fruit selected for size, color, firmness, maturity and integrity.
Storage and Handling
For commercial storage, preferably maintain between 4 and 7 °C with approximately 90–95% relative humidity and adequate air circulation. Avoid dehydration, excessive condensation and significant temperature fluctuations. For short periods, fruit may be kept under cool conditions, although refrigeration helps preserve firmness, juiciness and external appearance for a longer period.
Quality and Selection Criteria
Whole, fresh and properly developed fruit with characteristic orange coloration, good firmness and intact skin. Fruit should feel appropriately heavy for its size, indicating good juice content, and remain free from decay, mold, deep wounds, severe dehydration or significant mechanical damage. Minor superficial imperfections that do not affect the flesh may be acceptable only within the applicable commercial tolerances.
Origin
Chile
Tango was developed by the University of California, Riverside as a selection derived from W. Murcott, using budwood irradiation to produce a mandarin with extremely low seed formation while retaining the desirable characteristics of its parent. The resulting cultivar combines late-season maturity, easy peeling, excellent coloration, high juiciness and very good eating quality, while its ability to remain virtually seedless represents one of its most important commercial advantages. Production in Chile, in the Southern Hemisphere, complements international premium mandarin supply during the counter-season of major Northern Hemisphere markets.
