The Nova and Temple are now tangerines.
BARTOW, Fla. – The Florida Citrus Commission approved the reclassification of two fresh citrus varieties as tangerines on Wednesday in an effort to open new marketing avenues for Florida Citrus packers.
Commissioners voted unanimously to reclassify the Nova – a cross between a Clementine and an Orlando Tangelo – and the Temple – a citrus variety that originated in Jamaica in 1896 – as tangerines.
Commissioners also approved two new tangerine varieties – the Roe and the Autumn Honey– as tangerines. Both are proprietary varieties of Wm. G. Roe & Sons, Inc.
Each variety can also be classified as a mandarin if it fits the low-seed or seedless specifications.
Prior to the reclassification, Florida-grown Nova and Temple varieties were primarily used for juice.
According to Florida Department of Citrus Interim Executive Director Shannon Shepp, “The move improves marketability of the varieties and allows them to be sold alongside other tangerines and mandarins.”
In addition to the reclassification of the Temple, its new official identification is as a Royal Tangerine.
