What is the Difference Between Tangerine and Mandarin?

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Tangerines and mandarins are both types of citrus fruits that belong to the mandarin family. However, there are some differences between them:

  • Size and Sweetness: Mandarins are generally smaller than oranges and taste sweeter. Tangerines, on the other hand, have a bright orange color and their flavor is less sweet and a bit more tart than most mandarins.
  • Sk skin: Mandarins have thinner and looser skin, making the fruit easier to peel. Tangerines have slightly tougher skin, which makes them a hardier fruit that's less likely to bruise.
  • Peel: Mandarins can be peeled easily, while tangerines have a thinner-skin around the juicy parts inside.
  • Varieties: Mandarins are a type of orange and the overarching category that tangerines, clementines, and satsumas fall into. Tangerines are a specific type of mandarin orange.

In summary, while tangerines are a type of mandarin, they have some differences in size, sweetness, skin, and peelability.

Comparative Table: Tangerine vs Mandarin

Here is a table comparing the differences between tangerines and mandarins:

Feature Tangerines Mandarins
Size Smaller than mandarins Generally smaller than oranges and tangerines
Color Bright orange Lighter orange
Flavor Slightly more tart than mandarins Sweeter than oranges and slightly sweeter than tangerines
Seeds Typically has seeds Some mandarins are seedless
Skin Slightly tougher and harder to peel Thinner, looser skin that makes them easier to peel
Growing Season Lasts from November through May Varies depending on the specific type of mandarin

Tangerines are a specific type of mandarin orange, and while all tangerines are mandarins, not all mandarins are tangerines. They have a bright orange color and are typically smaller than mandarins. Tangerines have a slightly more tart flavor than most mandarins. Their skin is slightly tougher and harder to peel than mandarins' skin. Tangerines usually have seeds, whereas some mandarins can be seedless. The growing season for tangerines lasts from November through May.

Mandarins, on the other hand, are generally smaller than oranges and have a sweeter taste. They have a thinner, looser skin that makes them easier to peel. The growing season for mandarins varies depending on the specific type.