What’s The Difference Between Oranges, Mandarins, Satsumas, Clementines, Tangerines? - S and J Mandarin Grove - Organic Mandarin Oranges in Newcastle, CA (2024)

What’s The Difference Between Oranges, Mandarins, Satsumas, Clementines, Tangerines? - S and J Mandarin Grove - Organic Mandarin Oranges in Newcastle, CA (1)

Unsure of the differences between these small citrus fruits, many people confuse often oranges, mandarins, Tangerines, Clementines, and Satsumas. In fact, throughout the United States, the terms mandarin and tangerine are used interchangeably, even though they are not the same thing. While a tangerine is a type of mandarin, not all mandarins are tangerines.

But the confusion isn’t really a surprise, as the Citrus Variety Collection of the University of California has 167 different hybrids and varieties of mandarins listed.

Here’s a breakdown of the differences between these popular and delicious citrus fruits:

  • Oranges are second in size to the grapefruit. This citrus fruit has a thick skin, is round in shape, and has a tart flavor.
  • Mandarins are a type of orange and the overarching category that Tangerines, Clementines, and Satsumas fall into. They are generally smaller and sweeter than oranges, a little flatter in shape, and they and have a thinner, looser skin that makes them easier to peel.
  • Tangerines are a specific type of mandarin orange. They are a bright orange color, slightly tougher skins, and their flavor is a little less sweet and a bit more tart.
  • Clementines are the smallest type of mandarin orange. They are super sweet, seedless, and have red-orange skins that are smooth and shiny. The mandarins you see in grocery stores called Cuties and Sweeties are Clementines. They are easier to peel than tangerines, but not as easy to peel as Satsumas.
  • Satsuma Mandarins are a specific type of mandarin orange, originating in Japan more than 700 years ago. They are a lighter orange, sweet, juicy, and seedless. They are also the easiest variety to peel. The most tender, easily damaged type of mandarin, Satsuma mandarin oranges are harder to find fresh in stores.

At S & J Mandarin Grove, we primarily grow and ship certified organic Owari Satsuma Mandarins.

We also have a small number of super sweet Clementine mandarin trees that ripen later in the season. We only sell this small variety at our Newcastle, California orchard and at the Sacramento Certified Farmers’ Market. Come visit us.

What’s The Difference Between Oranges, Mandarins, Satsumas, Clementines, Tangerines? - S and J Mandarin Grove - Organic Mandarin Oranges in Newcastle, CA (2024)

FAQs

What’s The Difference Between Oranges, Mandarins, Satsumas, Clementines, Tangerines? - S and J Mandarin Grove - Organic Mandarin Oranges in Newcastle, CA? ›

Mandarins are a type of orange and the overarching category that Tangerines, Clementines, and Satsumas fall into. They are generally smaller and sweeter than oranges, a little flatter in shape, and they and have a thinner, looser skin that makes them easier to peel. Tangerines are a specific type of mandarin orange.

What's the difference between oranges and tangerines and mandarins? ›

Mandarin – Mandarins are generally smaller than oranges and taste sweeter. Their skin is thinner and a little looser, which makes the fruit easier to peel. Tangerine – Tangerines have a bright orange color. Their flavor is less sweet and a bit more tart than most mandarins.

Are mandarin oranges and clementines the same thing? ›

A clementine is a variety of mandarin oranges, but they are not the same as what you buy in a can or fruit cup. Most canned mandarins are a variety called Satsuma, originally from Japan. Tangerines are also a variety of mandarin oranges.

Are mandarins and cuties the same fruit? ›

Q: What is a CUTIE®? A: CUTIES® are actually two varieties of mandarins: Clementine mandarins, available November through January; and W. Murcott mandarins, available February through April. CUTIES® have several distinct characteristics that make them the perfect anytime, anywhere snack.

What is the best mandarin orange to buy? ›

Popular Mandarin Orange Varieties

Lukan is the most popular variety and is known for its thin, slightly wrinkled skin that is easy to peel. Ponkan is slightly larger than Lukan and has a thicker skin. Swatow is a round variety with a sweet and juicy taste.

What's the difference between oranges, mandarins, satsumas, clementines, and tangerines? ›

Mandarins are a type of orange and the overarching category that Tangerines, Clementines, and Satsumas fall into. They are generally smaller and sweeter than oranges, a little flatter in shape, and they and have a thinner, looser skin that makes them easier to peel. Tangerines are a specific type of mandarin orange.

How many mandarins can I eat a day? ›

In short, although mandarin oranges are highly nutritional and satisfies our cravings at the same time, it should not be consumed excessively, especially by certain people. Overall, I would personally recommend consuming a maximum of four mandarin oranges a day.

Can you eat too many clementines? ›

In the case of clementines, you can definitely have too much of a good thing, so dietitians agree that capping out at around four of them per day is a decent rule of thumb.

Are mandarins healthier than oranges? ›

Like other oranges, mandarin oranges are excellent sources of vitamin C, although not as high in this valuable nutrient as navel oranges, even comparing equal portions. However, mandarins provide greater amounts of two antioxidant phytochemicals: beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin.

Are cuties genetically modified? ›

Cuties are Non-GMO.

Cuties are not genetically modified and are proud to be verified by the Non-GMO Project, making them the perfect natural snack for kids.

Do cuties need to be refrigerated? ›

To keep Cuties Clementines as sweet and fresh as possible, simply store them in the refrigerator. The cooler temperature will keep them juicy and fresh for two to three weeks. It's hard to believe there was a time when Cuties®, nature's perfect little fruit, was unknown to American moms and kids.

Are cuties healthier than oranges? ›

Although a clementine weighs only about half as much as a navel orange, ounce for ounce they are nutritionally similar: about the same amount of calories and potassium, while a navel orange contains slightly more fiber, vitamin C, calcium and folate per ounce.

What is the best tasting tangerine? ›

Murcott is often considered to be the best-tasting of all varieties, with flavors reminiscent of honey and cinnamon. Not typically found in grocery stores, the W. Murcott fruit is an ideal variety to be grown for personal consumption.

Which type of orange is healthiest? ›

Mandarin oranges have even more beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin than common oranges, making them excellent additions to your diet. The body turns beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin into vitamin A, which is essential for a healthy immune system, good vision, and normal growth and development.

What tastes better clementines or mandarins? ›

Difference 5: taste

There is also a difference between clementine and mandarin oranges in terms of taste. Mandarins are more aromatic but can sometimes be a bit tart. Clementines are extremely sweet, but also less aromatic than mandarins.

What is the sweetest orange to eat? ›

Lima oranges, also called sweet oranges or acid-less oranges, are known for their low acidity and extremely sweet flavor. Because they have minimal acidity, these oranges have almost no tartness.

Are tangerines healthier than oranges? ›

Tangerines contain more vitamin A than oranges, though oranges are lower in calories and higher in vitamin C and fiber. They are both good sources of vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, folate and potassium.

Which is better oranges or mandarins? ›

Like other oranges, mandarin oranges are excellent sources of vitamin C, although not as high in this valuable nutrient as navel oranges, even comparing equal portions. However, mandarins provide greater amounts of two antioxidant phytochemicals: beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin.

Do oranges and mandarins taste the same? ›

Mandarins are smaller and oblate, unlike the spherical common oranges (which are a mandarin–pomelo hybrid). The taste is considered sweeter and stronger than the common orange.

What is the sweetest citrus fruit? ›

Mandarins are some of the sweetest fruits of the orange family. They're slightly smaller relatives of the standard orange. Clementines are tangerines fall into this category, but mandarins are often sold without a sub-type. Most mandarins are sweeter and less acidic than their citrus cousins.

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