With the Presidential election upon us, we whimsically wondered: if there were a United States of Citrus, who would win the election if an orange ran against a tangerine? Let's explore what both candidates have to offer in this juicy imaginary citrus debate!
Commentator: It's not just your looks, but your taste, that voters are interested in. Tell me, both of you, what makes your flavor the best?
Tangerine: I'm sweeter than orange. And I don't just mean my taste. Orange can be a sourpuss.
Orange: Sour? Hardly! I might be a bit tart, and I am definitely brighter than you. Some even call me tangy--even though YOU'RE the one called "tangerine!"
Tangerine: My distinctive name comes from Tangiers in Morocco, thank you very much.
Commentator: That leads me to my next question. The United States of Citrus is proud of its diverse population. Where do you both originate from?
Tangerine: Palatka, Florida!
Orange: Asia and Indonesia, although now we are grown mainly in Florida and California.
Commentator: What about your nutritional value?
Tangerine: Well, while most citrus varieties are rich in Vitamin C, I also happen to have a lot of Vitamin A. Orange falls short on this platform.
Orange: Let's be clear--I have more Vitamin C than tangerine does, and more fiber too, which helps the body break down and absorb all of my many nutrients better.
(Commentator's Side Note: A hallmark of all citruses is a robust Vitamin C content, and whether you prefer oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, or a mixture, you can be assured that you are doing your body right! Tangerines are also especially high in Vitamin A. With this kind of nutrition and flavor, and especially with the sugar-laden holiday season around the corner, it's a good idea to start your citrus-eating habit sooner rather than later. Thanks to the differences in flavor and texture between various citrus types, you have lots of choices to suit your mood.)
Commentator: Some pundits are asserting that you two are both actually related. Is this true?
Tangerine: No, absolutely not. Like all citrus, we are of course the same genus, but I am a completely different species. I am a variety of mandarin, as a matter of fact.
Orange: Newsflash, tangerine--I am a hybrid of a pomelo and a mandarin, so while we may be different species, we are cousins!
Commentator: Any closing words for the electorate?
Tangerine: A vote for tangerine is a vote for your freedom to enjoy easy to peel, easily portable, juicy, healthy sweetness. Plus, I'm cute.
Orange: A vote for orange is a bold choice for traditional comforts like orange slices, orange juice, and classic-sized fruits.
Commentator: Thanks to you both. The votes are in, and friends, we have a tie! It seems that the citizens of the United States of Citrus find you both a-peeling. Looks like we have a few third-party votes for grapefruit as well. Thank goodness Florida Fruit Shippers has Free Shipping specials!
