description Dancy Tangerine Overview
The Dancy tangerine is an American citrus variety that originated from seeds planted in Orange Mound, Florida, by Colonel George L. Dancy in 1867. The tree produced a fruit with a deep orange-red rind that was easy to peel, though it contained a significant number of seeds. The fruit's name derives from its connection to the port of Tangier, Morocco, where similar citrus fruits were historically imported from.
It became the predominant commercial tangerine grown in the United States for much of the 20th century before being largely replaced by newer, seedless hybrids.
insights Ranking position
Dancy Tangerine ranks #77 of 152 in the Citrus Fruit ranking, behind Navelate Orange, ahead of Marsh Grapefruit.
help Dancy Tangerine FAQ
Who developed the Dancy tangerine and where?
The Dancy tangerine originated from seeds planted by Colonel George L. Dancy in Orange Mound, Florida, in 1867. The parent tree is believed to have come from a earlier variety known as the Moragne tangerine.
What does the Dancy tangerine look and taste like?
The Dancy produces a fruit with a deep orange-red rind that is easy to peel. The flesh is flavorful and juicy, though the fruit contains a significant number of seeds compared to modern seedless mandarin varieties.
Was the Dancy tangerine commercially important?
The Dancy became one of the most widely grown tangerine varieties in the United States for much of the 20th century and was sometimes marketed as the "Christmas tangerine" because it ripened in late December. Its commercial prominence eventually declined with the rise of seedless alternatives such as clementines.
Why did the Dancy tangerine decline in commercial popularity?
The Dancy's heavy seed count and relatively short harvest window made it less attractive to consumers and growers once nearly seedless varieties became widely available. It also required more careful handling than newer cultivars, contributing to its gradual replacement in commercial groves.
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