Mandarin vs. Tangerine: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 6, 2024
Mandarin is a category of oranges, less vibrant and smaller; Tangerine is a Mandarin type, brighter and sweeter.
Key Differences
Mandarin oranges are a broader category of citrus fruits, known for their moderate sweetness and less intense color. Tangerines, a subset of mandarins, distinguish themselves with a more vibrant orange hue and a notably sweeter taste.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
When it comes to texture, Mandarin oranges often have a thinner, looser skin, making them easier to peel. In contrast, Tangerines, while still relatively easy to peel, have a slightly tougher skin but are known for their juicier and more flavorful segments.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Cultivation and availability also differ; Mandarins are grown worldwide and have various types, including some that are seedless. Tangerines, particularly popular in the United States, are a specific type of Mandarin, often associated with the winter holiday season.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Nutritional content in Mandarins includes vitamins A and C, calcium, and fiber. Tangerines share a similar nutritional profile but are often noted for higher vitamin C content and a more robust flavor, making them a popular choice for fresh consumption.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
In culinary use, Mandarins offer a delicate flavor suitable for both sweet and savory dishes. Tangerines, with their pronounced sweetness and zest, are often used in desserts, salads, and as a flavorful addition to beverages.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
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Comparison Chart
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Mandarin and Tangerine Definitions
Mandarin
A type of small, usually seedless orange.
I peeled a mandarin for a quick snack.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 20, 2023
Tangerine
A sweet, tangy flavor characteristic of the fruit.
The dessert had a delightful tangerine essence.
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Dec 20, 2023
Mandarin
The most widely spoken Chinese dialect.
She is taking classes to learn Mandarin.
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Dec 20, 2023
Tangerine
A bright orange citrus fruit, a variety of mandarin.
Tangerines are my favorite winter fruit.
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Dec 20, 2023
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Mandarin
A high-ranking government official in imperial China.
Historical dramas often portray the life of a mandarin.
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Dec 20, 2023
Tangerine
A vivid orange color.
The sunset was a brilliant shade of tangerine.
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Dec 20, 2023
Mandarin
Exerting great power or influence, especially in politics.
His role in the committee is like that of a mandarin.
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Dec 20, 2023
Tangerine
Representing happiness and prosperity in certain cultures.
Tangerines are often given as gifts during Lunar New Year.
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Dec 20, 2023
Mandarin
A rich orange-yellow color.
She wore a dress in a striking mandarin hue.
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Dec 20, 2023
Tangerine
A widely cultivated variety of mandarin orange having deep red-orange fruit with easily separated segments.
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Dec 13, 2023
Mandarin
Any of a group of related dialects of Chinese spoken principally in the north and west of China.
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Dec 13, 2023
Mandarin
The official national standard spoken language of China, based on the Mandarin dialect spoken in and around Beijing. Also called Guoyu, Putonghua.
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Dec 13, 2023
Mandarin
A member of any of the nine ranks of high public officials in the Chinese Empire.
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Dec 13, 2023
Mandarin
A member of an elite group, especially a person having influence or high status in intellectual or cultural circles.
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Dec 13, 2023
Tangerine
A kind of orange, much like the mandarin, but of deeper color and higher flavor. It is said to have been produced in America from the mandarin.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Tangerine
Any of various deep orange mandarins grown in the United States and southern Africa
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Dec 13, 2023
Mandarin
A pedantic senior person of influence in academia or literary circles.
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Dec 13, 2023
Tangerine
Relating to or resembling a tangerine.
She added tangerine accents to her living room decor.
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Dec 20, 2023
Mandarin
Pertaining to or reminiscent of mandarins; deliberately superior or complex; esoteric, highbrow, obscurantist.
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Dec 13, 2023
Mandarin
A Chinese public officer or nobleman; a civil or military official in China and Annam.
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Dec 13, 2023
Mandarin
A powerful government official or bureaucrat, especially one who is pedantic and has a strong sense of his own importance and privelege.
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Dec 13, 2023
Mandarin
A member of an influential, powerful or elite group, espcially within artistic or intellectual circles; - used especially of elder members who are traditionalist or conservative about their specialties.
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Dec 13, 2023
Mandarin
The form of the Chinese language spoken by members of the Chinese Imperial Court an officials of the empire.
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Dec 13, 2023
Mandarin
Any of several closely related dialects of the Chinese language spoken by a mojority of the population of China, the standard variety of which is spoken in the region around Beijing.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Mandarin
A small flattish reddish-orange loose-skinned orange, with an easily separable rind. It is thought to be of Chinese origin, and is counted a distinct species (Citrus reticulata formerly Citrus nobilis); called also mandarin orange and tangerine.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Mandarin
Shrub or small tree having flattened globose fruit with very sweet aromatic pulp and thin yellow-orange to flame-orange rind that is loose and easily removed; native to southeastern Asia
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Dec 13, 2023
Mandarin
The dialect of Chinese spoken in Beijing and adopted as the official language for all of China
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Dec 13, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Which is sweeter, a mandarin or a tangerine?
Tangerines are generally sweeter.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
What is a mandarin?
A small citrus fruit, less vibrant and slightly less sweet than a tangerine.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Are mandarins and tangerines the same?
Not exactly; all tangerines are mandarins, but not all mandarins are tangerines.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
What is a tangerine?
A type of mandarin, known for its bright color and sweet taste.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Can you interchange mandarins and tangerines in recipes?
Yes, but expect a slight difference in sweetness and acidity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
What are the health benefits of tangerines?
Similar to mandarins, they're rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Are tangerines seedless?
They can have seeds, but seedless varieties are also available.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
What's the best way to peel a tangerine?
Start at the top and work your way around; their skin is slightly tougher than mandarins.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
What's the difference in the skin of mandarins vs tangerines?
Mandarin skins are thinner and looser, while tangerine skins are slightly tougher.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Are mandarins good for you?
Yes, they're a good source of vitamins and fiber.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Can people with citrus allergies eat mandarins or tangerines?
It's best to consult a doctor, as citrus allergies can vary in severity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
What's the peak season for tangerines?
They're typically at their best in the winter months.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
How do you store mandarins?
Keep them in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Are mandarins or tangerines better for juicing?
Tangerines, due to their juicier and more flavorful segments.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Can mandarins be used in cooking?
Yes, they're versatile in both sweet and savory dishes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
How long do tangerines last?
About a week at room temperature, longer in the fridge.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
What dishes are tangerines best used in?
They're great in desserts, salads, and as garnishes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Can you freeze mandarins or tangerines?
Yes, though they're best used in cooked dishes when thawed.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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