Tangerine essential oil is a natural extract obtained from the peel of the citrus fruit Citrus reticulata. Recognized for belonging to natural terpenes, its sweet aroma, fresh and slightly floral, this oil has gained ground in the food industry as an effective and natural alternative.
Its application goes beyond taste: it provides functional value, sensory acceptance and meets current trends towards cleaner products and transparent labelling.
Characteristics of tangerine essential oil
Tangerine essential oil stands out for its chemical composition rich in natural terpenes, especially limonene (around 70-90%), which gives it its distinctive aroma. It also contains oxygenated compounds that provide aromatic complexity and functional stability.
Relationship to other citrus oils
Although it shares similarities with the essential oil of orange or tangerine, tangerine is distinguished by its sweeter and softer profile, being a type of natural terpenes. , which makes it ideal for products that require a more delicate note. It also has lower sensory acidity, which is an advantage in balanced formulations.
Relevant physico-chemical properties:
- Medium volatility, ideal for flavors in products with moderate thermal processes.
- Solubility in fats, oils and certain natural solvents.
- Moderate oxidation stability, recommended storage in controlled environments.
These natural terpene properties make it suitable for standardized formulations and processes that require functional ingredients with good technical performance.
Applications in the food industry
The versatility of tangerine essential oil has allowed its adoption in various categories of food and beverages, both in industrial lines and in artisanal products, being one of the natural terpenes.
Main applications
- Natural flavouring
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Functional ingredient in mixtures
Process stability:
This oil has good stability in moderate thermal processes, allowing to maintain the sensory profile of natural terpenes, even after processing. It can also be microencapsulated to improve its strength and service life.
Advantages over synthetic additives:
- Authentic aroma, without artificial notes.
- Aligned with clean labeling trends and natural products.
- Improves the perceived quality of the final product.
For companies in the food sector, this means better opportunities to position themselves before an increasingly demanding consumer.
Technical benefits and considerations for industrial use
Performance and purity
Tangerine essential oil from natural food-grade terpenes is characterized by a high aromatic concentration, allowing its use in small doses. This improves batch throughput and reduces long-term formulation costs.
It is essential to work with certified suppliers that offer traceability, standardization and quality control on every batch.
Safe handling and storage
To preserve its natural terpene properties, it is recommended:
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Store in opaque, airtight containers.
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Keep in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight.
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Avoid prolonged exposure to oxygen to reduce oxidation.
Meeting these conditions ensures that the oil retains its profile that gives it one of the natural terpenes.
Applicable standards and certifications
Tangerine essential oil must comply with regulations such as:
- FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) for food ingredients.
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GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the U.S. FDA.
- Codex Alimentarius and NOM standards applicable in international markets.
Tangerine essential oil represents an excellent opportunity for food companies looking to incorporate natural ingredients, as being of natural terpenes, it has a strong market acceptance. Its pleasant sensory profile, technical performance and compatibility with international standards make it a strategic ingredient for developing innovative and competitive products.
In addition, their use of natural terpenes aligns with global trends toward the natural, sustainable and healthy. With proper technical handling, this oil can be effectively integrated into various industrial processes.
At Frutech we have tangerine essential oil ready for you, include it in your line of industrial products.
