From a purely external perspective, tangerines and clementines are very similar. Both fruits are significantly smaller than an orange, have an orange peel and smell seductive - the fruit peels of both types of citrus contain oil-secreting glands that are responsible for the intense scent. Many citrus lovers believe that clementines are just tangerines that are low in seeds. In reality, however, the differences go much further.
What is the difference between tangerines and clementines?
The main difference between tangerines and clementines is that clementines have fewer seeds and are sweeter, while tangerines contain up to nine seeded fruit segments and are less sweet. In addition, clementines are longer-lasting and come from the Mediterranean region, while tangerines have their origin in China.
Origin
First of all, there is a big difference in terms of geographical origin and botanical classification. The mandarin originally comes from China, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. The mandarin tree was first documented in the 12th century BC. The name of the fruit is also of Chinese origin; it owes it to the high state officials who were called “Mandarin”. The clementine, on the other hand, does not have its roots in Asia - like almost all citrus plants - but in the Mediterranean region. This fruit was originally a random cross between mandarin and bitter orange. It was discovered in 1912 in the garden of a monk working in Algeria, Brother Clément.
What is a Satsuma?
Satsuma is a mostly seedless version of the mandarin. This variety of tangerine is less aromatic than the original, but is more popular due to its seedlessness. The Satsuma comes from Japan, where the mandarin has been cultivated since the first century BC.
Fruit
Differences between mandarin and clementine can be found not only in their origin, but also in the respective fruit itself.
- The mandarin has nine fruit segments inside, which are separated from each other by a thin membrane.
- For Clementine there are between eight and twelve.
- In contrast to tangerines, clementines have few or no seeds.
- Clementines have a higher sugar content than tangerines and are therefore sweeter.
- Tangerines can be stored for a maximum of one to two weeks until the peel separates from the pulp and finally dries up.
- Clementines are much more storable: They can be stored at cool temperatures for up to eight weeks without losing their juice.
Ingredients and Calories
In terms of their ingredients and the number of calories, mandarins and clementines are similar, although there are major differences, particularly in the amount of vitamin C and folic acid.
- 100 grams of mandarin has an average of 46 kcal, while the same amount of clementine has 37 kcal.
- 100 grams of tangerine provides about 30 milligrams of vitamin C, 33 milligrams of calcium, 210 milligrams of potassium and seven milligrams of folic acid.
- The same amount of clementine contains, on average, 54 milligrams of vitamin C, 30 milligrams of calcium, 130 milligrams of potassium and 33 milligrams of folic acid.
By the way, the mandarin is one of the oldest and most original types of citrus. Many citrus plants are the result of crossing mandarin oranges, including oranges. This was created by a chance crossing of mandarin and grapefruit.
Tips & Tricks
The tangerine is relatively easy to cultivate in a container. However, the clementine is less demanding and, as a Mediterranean plant, is less sensitive to cold and more robust than the mandarin.