Many people also remove the white from their tangerines and oranges, considering it poisonous. But there is more to the white threads than initially assumed.
Can you eat the white part of tangerines or oranges?
The white skin between the skin and the flesh is called the mesocarp or albedo. That means something like “middle fruit”.
Fans of tangerines and oranges can be divided into two distinct groups: some thoroughly remove the white strands until only the flesh is left, while others simply eat the white part.
You don’t need to worry under any circumstances: the white threads are not only edible, they are also really healthy.
What’s in it?
The intermediate layer is therefore by no means toxic, but even contains a number of vitamins and phytochemicals. The mesocarp provides us with lots of vitamin C and flavonoids, which support the immune system with important antioxidants.
In addition, the flavonoids also appear to prevent cardiovascular disease. Some of them are also said to have antibacterial or antiviral effects.
The white threads consist of indigestible fiber that stays in the digestive tract for a long time and ensures that we don’t get hungry again so quickly.
Conclusion
The bitter taste of the white layer does not mean that it should not be eaten. The white threads even contain as much vitamin C as the pulp.
Therefore, the white can be eaten without hesitation, you don’t have to worry about your health.
The white layer consists mainly of fiber, which gives you a longer feeling of satiety.