Tangerine Oil

Tangerine oil is a natural oil extracted from the peel of tangerines, a type of mandarin orange. The oil is typically obtained through cold pressing the tangerine rinds, a process that captures the fresh, citrusy aroma and flavor of the fruit. It is a complex mixture of volatile compounds, with limonene being a major component.

Tangerine oil is primarily used as a flavoring agent in a wide variety of food products. Its bright, sweet, and slightly floral citrus notes make it popular in candies, baked goods, beverages, ice cream, and dairy products. It can also be used to add a fresh aroma to desserts and confections.

Tangerine oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when used as a flavoring. Regulatory bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated similar citrus oils. At typical consumption levels found in food, it is not associated with adverse health effects. Research into the specific health effects of tangerine oil is ongoing, but no significant concerns have been raised regarding its use as a food ingredient.