Simple tricks to make sour tangerines sweet
What to do with sour tangerines (illustrative photo: Freepik)
Sometimes, even seemingly ripe tangerines can be sour or not very sweet. However, there are simple and effective ways to make these fruits much tastier and sweeter.
Heat tangerines before eating
If you bought sour tangerines, try keeping them at room temperature for a few hours or even a day before eating them. Cold temperatures reduce the sweetness of fruits, making tangerines taste more bitter.
Storing tangerines at room temperature may have the opposite effect. Heating them for a few days helps the juice more actively express its natural flavor, making the tangerines taste sweeter.
Alternatively, if you have the time, simply place the tangerines on a windowsill for a few days. Under the influence of sunlight, they will gradually ripen and become sweeter.
To speed up the process, you can use a microwave. Heat the tangerines on high power for 30 seconds. After cooling, the citrus fruits are ready to eat.
Place them in warm water
To make sour tangerines sweeter, you don't have to wait for several days. Warm water also helps activate the natural ripening process, making the tangerines sweeter.
First, heat enough water in a bowl to a temperature of about 40-45°C (104-113°F). The water must be warm but not hot. Do not use boiling water, as it can damage the tangerine peel and make it unsuitable for consumption.
Pour cold water into another container. Place the tangerines in the warm water and leave them for 10-15 minutes.
After soaking, transfer the tangerines to the cold water and leave them for 1-2 minutes. This step will stop the boiling process and preserve the freshness of the fruit, making the tangerines sweeter.
Sources: Onet, City Magazine, Quora.
