Difference Between Mandarin and Clementine

The main difference between mandarin and clementine is that mandarin is a type of orange that is smaller and sweeter than oranges whereas clementine is the smallest type of mandarin orange that is super sweet and seedless. Clementine is, in fact, a hybrid orange between a willow leaf mandarin orange and sweet orange.

Mandarin and clementine are two types of oranges. Oranges are citrus fruits that are round in shape and have thick skin. They have a tart flavor. Generally, oranges are rich in citric acid and vitamin C. Tangerines and satsumas are the other variety of mandarins.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Mandarin
     – Definition, Facts, Features
2. What is Clementine
     – Definition, Facts, Features
3. What are the Similarities Between Mandarin and Clementine
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Mandarin and Clementine
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms: Clementine, Color, Mandarin, Oranges, Shape, Taste

What is Mandarin

Mandarin orange or mandarin is a small, flattish, citrus fruit with a loose yellow-orange skin. This means mandarins are oblate rather than spherical. The taste is sweeter or less sour than regular oranges. The peel is very thin. The ripe mandarin is firm or slightly soft. 

Figure 1: Mandarin Oranges

In China, mandarins have been cultivated for over 3,000 years. And by far, China is the largest grower as well as the consumer of mandarin oranges. They also have varieties such as satsuma, clementine, dancy, honey, pixie, and tangerines. Mandarin and tangerine are interchangeably used outside regions of United States.

What is Clementine

Clementine refers to a hybrid orange between a willow leaf mandarin orange and sweet orange. It was discovered by Father Clement Rodier in 1902. Clementine is mostly grown in Algeria, Spain, Italy, Morocco, and Turkey. 

Figure 2: Clementine

The skin is deep orange in color. They are easy to peel off as well. Clementine is the sweetest type of oranges. also, it does not contain seeds. Therefore, it is a famous fruit in the United States.

Similarities Between Mandarin and Clementine

• Mandarin and Clementine are two types of oranges.
• Both are orange in color.
• They belong to the citrus fruit family.
• Both have a tart flavor.
• They are rich in citric acid and vitamin C.

Difference Between Mandarin and Clementine

Definition

Mandarin: A small, flattish, citrus fruit with a loose yellow-orange skin

Clementine: A hybrid orange between a willow leaf mandarin orange and sweet orange

Scientific Name

Mandarin: Citrus reticulata

Clementine: Citrus × clementina

Grown in

Mandarin: China

Clementine: Algeria, Spain, Italy, Morocco, and Turkey

Significance

Mandarin: Tangerines, clementine, and satsumas are mandarin oranges

Clementine: A type of mandarin

Size and Shape

Mandarin: Smaller and little flatter than oranges

Clementine: Smallest and seedless

Taste

Mandarin: Sweeter than oranges

Clementine: Super sweet

Skin

Mandarin: Thinner and looser skin; easy to peel off

Clementine: Smooth and shiny skin; red-orange in color

Seeds

Mandarin: Contains seeds

Clementine: Seedless

Conclusion

Mandarin is smaller, sweeter, and flatter than the regular orange. Clementine is a variety of mandarin, which is sweeter and seedless. The main difference between mandarin and clementine is the size, shape, and sweetness.  

Reference:

1. “Is It a Mandarin, a Tangerine, or a Clementine?” The Spruce Eats, TheSpruceEats, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “mandarin-fruit-orange-fresh-1756766” (CC0) via pixbay 
2. “citrus-clementines-fruit-mandarins-302489” (CC0) via PEXELS