Tangerine is a popular member of the large citrus family, loved for its pleasant sweet-and-sour taste and delicate yet rich aroma. Notably, in its homeland — China — tangerines are considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity. This belief explains why, just a few decades ago, people tried to make sure tangerines were always present on the New Year’s table, trusting that «as you greet the year, so you will spend it».
These small orange citrus fruits are eaten fresh, used in a wide variety of desserts, their juice is added to sauces and marinades, and dried, ground peels are used to make zest. Tangerine seeds are not wasted either—they are used to produce a highly valuable cold-pressed oil rich in vitamins, minerals, and biologically active compounds.
Essential tangerine oil vs. cold-pressed tangerine seed oil: what’s the difference?
Essential tangerine oil can be found in pharmacies and some cosmetic or household stores. Unlike cold-pressed oil, essential oil is produced from the peel using steam distillation, followed by dilution with alcohol.
Cold-pressed tangerine seed oil is extracted from the seeds using the cold pressing method. This process involves special presses and barrels made from untreated wood or polyamide-6 (caprolon), which helps preserve the oil’s natural composition and nutritional value.
Health benefits of tangerine seed oil
Tangerine seeds—and the oil obtained from them through cold pressing—contain:
- Vitamin B17 (amygdalin) – known for its potential anti-cancer properties and ability to inhibit the activity of cancer cells;
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – one of the most powerful immune boosters, accelerating the body’s response to viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens;
- Calcium, potassium, and magnesium – essential minerals for maintaining healthy bones, joints, hair, nails, and eyelashes. Calcium and potassium contribute to bone and cartilage formation, while magnesium helps the body absorb them effectively;
- Limonoids – organic compounds with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Recent scientific studies have also confirmed their potential effectiveness in cancer prevention;
- Polyphenols – antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and slow down aging processes in the human body;
How to use tangerine seed oil
Tangerine seed oil is mainly used in cosmetology. It is beneficial when added to skincare products for the face, hair, and body, as well as to massage oils and creams. Aromatherapy sessions using tangerine oil combined with lavender essential oil help reduce migraines, promote relaxation, and improve mood.
Body massage with citrus oils helps smooth skin texture and makes stretch marks and scars less visible, including those formed after childbirth or rapid weight loss.
In addition, oil extracted from tangerine seeds is an excellent natural preservative. When added to base oils, it significantly extends their shelf life and slows down oxidation processes that lead to rancidity.
Tangerine seed oil production
Cold-pressed tangerine oil is obtained from fresh, untreated seeds using the cold pressing technology. A press applying pressure of several dozen tons extracts the oil, resulting in a «live», 100% natural product that retains all its beneficial properties.
Oil pressing equipment from CraftOil
CraftOil offers a wide range of practical and reliable equipment for pressing vegetable oils. Our catalog includes a 20-ton channel press, a 20-ton plate press, a modular 30-ton hydraulic press, a paired 30/30-ton press, as well as barrels and press inserts.
We also provide commercial-grade models designed for producing oil not only for personal use but also for sale. The 50-ton Italian press, the 70-ton Austrian press, and other models handle various raw materials, do not require special operating conditions, and deliver impressive oil yields.
To learn more about the specifications of our equipment, choose the model that best suits your needs, or discover the advantages of making your own cold-pressed oils, simply leave a request on our website.




