The main difference between sweet orange and mandarin is that mandarins are sweeter and less acidic than sweet oranges.
Orange is a citrus fruit that belongs to the family Rutaceae. Oranges are grown in many places in the world and are a common fruit eaten by many people. There are several varieties of oranges, including sweet oranges, bitter oranges, and mandarins. Sweet orange, Citrus sinensis, is the fruit we commonly know as orange. Mandarin, on the other hand, is a group of citrus fruit that are classified as Citrus reticulata.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Sweet Orange
– Definition, Types, Features
2. What is Mandarin
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Sweet Orange and Mandarin
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Mandarins, Sweet Orange, Common Orange, Orange, Navel Orange, Blood Orange
What is Sweet Orange
Sweet orange is a type of orange known as Citrus sinensis. We mainly eat it fresh or use it for juice. This orange species is considered to have its origin in China. At present, sweet oranges are grown all over the world; the largest producers are Mexico, Brazil, and the United States. As their name suggests, sweet oranges have a sweet flavour. They are a mix of sugar and acid. Sweet oranges come in different shapes (usually from spherical to oblong) and sizes. Unripe oranges are green in color, while ripen oranges take a yellow-orange to bright orange color.
There are three main groups of sweet oranges: common oranges, navel oranges, and blood oranges. Common oranges make up the largest group of sweet oranges. These are the most popular orange groups in the world. Valencia, Hamlin, Marrs, and Jaffa oranges are some varieties of common oranges. Navel oranges, on the other hand, are oranges that develop a small second fruit at the apex (this slightly resembles a human navel; hence, the name navel). Washington navel orange is the best-known navel orange. Blood oranges have an appearance similar to common oranges, but their flesh and peel can take a pink to red to purple color. Their juice is also red in color.
What is Mandarin
Mandarin refers to a group of citrus fruit that is classified as Citrus reticulata. It includes a range of oranges like clementine, tangerine, and satsuma. They are typically smaller in size than common oranges. Moreover, mandarin oranges are sweet, bright orange in color, and have a thin peel that is easy to remove. In fact, these are among some of the sweetest fruits in the orange family. Mandarins are usually less acidic than sweet oranges.
The history of mandarins can be traced back to Asia. Even today, China is the biggest producer of mandarins. We can eat these sweet mandarins as snacks or even use them in cooking, especially in salads and desserts. Since mandarins are very juicy, the juice is sometimes used in sauces and salad dressings. In addition, mandarins are usually canned and preserved in sugar syrups, and some Western recipes even call for these canned mandarins.
Difference Between Sweet Orange and Mandarin
Definition
Sweet orange is a type of orange known as Citrus sinensis, while Mandarin is a group of citrus fruit that are classified as Citrus reticulata.
Taste
Mandarins are sweeter and less acidic than sweet oranges.
Size
Mandarins are smaller than oranges.
Nutrient Profile
Although both oranges and mandarins are nutritious, there is a difference in their nutrient content. Oranges have more protein, fiber, calcium, potassium, vitamins C, B1, B2, B5, and B9, while mandarins have more iron, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B3, and vitamin B6.
Skin
When compared to sweet oranges, mandarins have thinner skin that is easy to peel.
Conclusion
Sweet oranges and mandarins are two common citrus fruits we all love. The main difference between sweet orange and mandarin is that mandarins are sweeter and less acidic than sweet oranges. In addition, mandarins are smaller than oranges.
Reference:
1. Albert, Steve. “Orange Types: Sweet, Bitter, Mandarin.” Harvest to Table, 14 Jan. 2012.
2. Filippone, Peggy Trowbridge. “Learn How to Cook with Sweet Mandarins.” The Spruce Eats, 28 July 2021.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Orange-fruit-orange-tree” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Mandarin Oranges (Citrus Reticulata)” By Joe Ravi (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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