“What’s The Difference Between Mandarins, Clementines, And Tangerines?
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Updated on February 06, 2026
Key Takeaways
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Mandarins are a type of citrus fruit within the orange family, known for their sweet, juicy flavor and easy-to-peel skin. They are available year-round, with peak availability during the winter.
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Tangerines are a specific type of mandarin, recognized by their round shape. They are typically available from November to May.
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Clementines are another type of mandarin, easily identifiable by their oval shape and seedless nature. They are popular due to their sweet taste and ease of peeling, often labeled as “Cuties” or “Halos.”
Winter and spring are orange seasons, and we love making recipes featuring citrus fruit. Shop at the farmers’ market or the produce aisle of your favorite grocery store and you’ll notice an increase in the citrus selection this time of year. If you’ve ever wondered if there’s a difference between a mandarin and a tangerine or if there is a difference between a tangerine and a clementine, you’re not alone.
Keep reading to find out about what makes mandarins, clementines, and tangerines different from one another.
What Is A Mandarin?
Mandarins are part of the orange family. These citrus fruits have numerous varieties, such as tangerine and clementine, and botanically are part of the group Citrus reticulata. Mandarins are known for their easy-to-peel bright orange skin, sweet and juicy flavor, and small size.
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When to buy: Because there are so many mandarin varieties, they can be grown in different regions. This is why you’ll find them available year-round in most grocery stores. You may notice they’re more commonly available in the winter and there’s a good reason– winter is harvest time, especially in California.
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How to store and use: Mandarins are often pre-packed in mesh bags or in wooden crates. These citrus fruits are also commonly preserved and canned with a sugar syrup, and used for baking a cake or making mandarin marmalade.
What Is A Tangerine?
Tangerines (Citrus tangerina) are believed to originate from Southeast Asia. The story goes that tangerines were exported through the port of Tangier, Morocco, giving these citrus fruits their name. In the United States, these bright orange, round fruits are typically called mandarins. All tangerines are a type of mandarin but the reverse isn’t true–not every mandarin is a tangerine.
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When to buy: Tangerines typically arrive in the produce section in November and stay through April or May, depending on the harvest year.
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How to store and use: Tangerines are an easy fruit to eat any time of day, and are also a good choice for juicing or baking. You may even consider tossing them into a green salad to add brightness and sweetness, especially in the colder months.
What about satsumas?
This variety is also part of the mandarin orange family (it’s actually the smallest of the group) and originates in Japan. Satsumas tend to be sweeter and more tender than other mandarins, but this also means they bruise quite easily which can be why they are trickier to find at your local grocery store.
What Is A Clementine?
Clementines (Citrus × clementina), are a type of mandarin orange, and because they are easy-to-peel and don’t have seeds they are often marketed for children. These citrus fruits are juicy, sweet, and small, making them wonderful to take with you on-the-go as part of a lunch or snack.
Clementines can be mistaken for tangerines but some characteristics make them easy to distinguish if you know what to look for. Tangerines are rounder in shape and tend to be flatter at the top and bottom, so they may not roll as easily. Clementines, on the other hand, have an oval form.
You’ve likely eaten clementines and may not have even known it. That is, if you’ve ever picked up a pack of “Cuties” or “Halos” – a brand that uses different varieties of clementines– then you’ve eaten them before.
- When to buy: Similar to tangerines, you’ll find clementines at the store in the late fall through spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the nutritional benefits of mandarins, clementines, and tangerines?
Mandarins, clementines, and tangerines are generally known to be good sources of vitamin C, fiber, and other antioxidants, which are beneficial for boosting the immune system and promoting healthier skin.
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How can I tell if a mandarin, clementine, or tangerine is ripe?
Look for fruits with a bright, rich color and a firm, but slightly soft feel. Avoid fruits with visible blemishes or overly soft spots.
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Can I grow these fruits in my backyard garden?
Depending on your climate, you can grow mandarins, clementines, and tangerines. They typically require warm, sunny climates; consider consulting local gardening resources for best practices in your area.
https://www.southernliving.com/clementine-vs-mandarin-vs-tangerine-8550172
