Tangerine and Mandarin Oranges are citrus fruits belonging to the family of Rutaceae. They are confused with being simply an orange fruit by many.
Key Takeaways
- Tangerines and mandarins are citrus fruits, but tangerines are larger and more vibrant oranges than mandarins.
- Mandarins have a sweeter and more intense flavor than tangerines, which can be tart or slightly sour.
- Tangerines are seedless, while mandarins may have seeds or be seedless.
Tangerine vs Mandarin Orange
Tangerines are a specific type of mandarin orange, smaller in size, with a deep orange color, and pebbly-skinned. Mandarin oranges are a broader category of citrus fruits, smaller and sweeter than common oranges, and known for their easy-to-peel skin.
Tangerine is a sub-category of Mandarins, and they belong to the family of Rutaceae. This implies the fact that all Tangerines are a type of Mandarin, but not all Mandarin oranges are Tangerines.
Mandarin oranges are citrus fruits belonging to the family of Rutaceae. Mandarins are further divided into three main sub-groups- Satsumas, Tangerines, and Miscellaneous Hybrids.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Tangerine | Mandarin Orange |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Tangerines are citrus fruits belonging to the sub-group of Mandarins | Mandarins are citrus fruits that are further divided into 3 main sub-groups, namely, Satsumas, Tangerines, and Miscellaneous Hybrid. |
| Colour | Tangerines have a darker or reddish shade of orange color. | Mandarins have a lighter and brighter shade of orange color. |
| Skin | Tangerines have thick skin, which makes them an ideal export fruit. | Mandarins have smooth and thin skin making it easy to peel the skin off. |
| Classification | All Tangerines are a type of Mandarins. | Not all Mandarins are Tangerines. |
| Shape | Tangerines are round in shape and have a more spherical shape than Mandarins. | Mandarins are oblate in shape and have a less spherical shape than Tangerines. |
| Temperature | Tangerines grow better in low and dry conditions. | Mandarins are delicate to low temperatures and dry conditions. |
| Taste | Tangerines are less sweet and more tart in taste than Mandarins. | Mandarins are sweeter and less tart in taste than Tangerines. |
What is Tangerine?
Tangerine is a citrus fruit belonging to the citrus family of Rutaceae. They are a sub-group of Mandarins that includes three main types: Satsumas, Tangerines, and Miscellaneous Hybrids.
Tangerines get their name from a city in Morocco known as Tangiers. These were exported to Europe from Tangiers. Tangerines are round and spherical and are reddish-orange or dark orange.
Tangerines survive and grow well in low temperatures and dry conditions. Tangerines have a tart taste and are less sweet than Mandarins.
What is Mandarin Orange?
Mandarin orange is a citrus fruit belonging to the citrus family of Rutaceae. Mandarins are further divided into three main sub-groups, namely, Satsumas, Tangerines, and Miscellaneous Hybrids.
Mandarin orange received its name from the Chinese officials who were called Mandarin because of the signature orange clothing they used to wear.
Mandarins are delicate to low temperatures and dry conditions and hence, cannot survive well in such conditions. Mandarins are sweeter and less tart in taste than Tangerines.
Main Differences Between Tangerine and Mandarin Orange
- Tangerines are tarter and less sweet, whereas Mandarins are less tarty and sweet.
- Tangerines have around and spherical shapes, whereas Mandarins are oblate and less spherical.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/agr.20275
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jsfa.4663
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