Difference between Tangerines and Mandarins

Here at the Co-opportunity, we love our citrus Fruits - just like our customers. 

One of the questions we do get asked a fair bit is about the difference between tangerine and a mandarin. That is, what exactly is the difference between a tangerine and a mandarin? 

Well, the short story is that all tangerines are actually mandarins - however not all mandarins are tangerines.

To be more specific, tangerines are a delicious type of citrus Fruit within a mandarin grouping. Tangerines are cultivated and consumed mostly here in the US. With Mandarins, they tend to grow on the Citrus Reticulate tree - a small Southeast Asian citrus tree. The tree would produce delicate fruits that only grow in tropical to subtropical areas. Mandarin grouped fruits are noted for features like their thick rinds that enable easy peeling.

The mandarin was introduced to our Western Culture via Tangiers, Morocco. Their connection to Tangiers gave rise to the name tangerine. To put it simply, the tangerine is simply a specific mandarin cultivar.

Tangerines are usually distinguished by their beautiful reddish color. They are also a bit smaller and less acidic than oranges. A medium sized tangerine has zero cholesterol and fat and averages only about 50 per fruit. 

Tangerines and mandarines are an excellent source of potassium, fiber, and are packed with Vitamin C, as well as calcium and iron.

Please use the Contact form on the right for Difference between Tangerines and Mandarins information and ordering.