It's actually quite simple to determine whether tangerine segments (the fruit pulp part) are fresh or not. You just need to rely on three basic methods: "look," "touch," and "ellsm."

Look at the color and shape
Fresh tangerine segments usually have a bright orange-yellow color. They look juicy and plump, just like when you first peel them open. If the segments appear dull, or have dark spots or dry areas, they might not be fresh. The shape of the segments is also important. Fresh ones should be plump and round, tightly packed together, which indicates they are full of moisture. If you see that the segments are shrive orled have wrinkled surfaces, it's likely that they have been sitting around for too long and have lost their water content.

Touch the texture
Gently press the tangerine segments with your fingers. Fresh segments should feel soft and elastic, quickly bouncing back to their original shape when you press them. If the segments feel hard, they might not be fully ripe yet. But if they feel soft and mushy, without any elasticity, or even break apart easily when you press them, they are definitely not fresh and may have spoiled.

Smell the aroma
Fresh tangerine segments have a natural, pleasant fruit fragrance. If you detect a smell of alcohol, sourness, or any other strange odors, it means the tangerines have started to spoil. It's best not to eat such tangerines, as they might cause stomach discomfort or other issues.

Tip
If you can taste them on the spot, that's even better. Fresh tangerine segments should taste sweet with a hint of tartness, be juicy, and have a crisp texture. If they taste bland or have an off-flavor, they are definitely not fresh.