Difference between Tangelos and Tangerines

The fruit tangerine got its name from the adjective tangerine, which means of or pertaining to, or native of Tangier, a seaport in Morocco, on the Strait of Gibraltar.

Though the name suggests that tangerines are native to Tangier, there are different opinions about the country of their origin. However, it is said that the fruit originated in south-east Asia. Regardless of its origin, its sweet and strong taste have made tangerine very popular.

Scientists made a new fruit by crossing tangerines with grapefruits. This hybrid fruit is called tangelo. The tangelo has got the best of its parent fruits' traits. For example, tangerines are easy to peel, and so are tangelos. However, this does not mean that the fruits are exactly alike. There are some differences that set the two apart.

◆Scientific Name
The Scientific Name of tangelo is Citrus tangelo.

◆ Size
Tangelos are almost as big as a fist.

◆Weight
An average Sized tangelo weighs around 7 ounces.

◆Juice Quantity
An average Sized tangelo produces 1 cup juice.

◆Shape
Due to its characteristic knob at the stem end, a tangelo appears to be bell-like in shape.

◆Skin
Tangelo's skin is thin and slightly textured. The skin is bounded to the inner fruit.

◆Color
Tangelos come in a reddish-orange color.

◆Flavor
The citrusy flavor of tangelos is considered as more tart than tangerines.

◆Seed Count
A tangelo is mostly seedless.

◆Season
Tangelos are available in the market from December to February.

◆Nutritional Benefits
Tangelos are a great source of fibers. They contain high levels of vitamin C. This hybrid fruit is low in calories.

◆Varieties
Varieties of tangelo include Minneola, Nova, and Orlando.

◆ Scientific Name
The Scientific Name of tangerine is Citrus tangerina.

◆ Size
Tangerines are almost half the Size of tangelos.

◆Weight
An average Sized tangerine weighs around 3 ounces.

◆Juice Quantity
An average Sized tangerine produces ½ cup juice.

◆Shape
A tangerine has an oblate shape that gives it a squash-like appearance. However, some varieties of the fruit might be rounder in shape.

◆Skin
Tangerine's skin is thick, loose, and more textured.

◆Color
Tangerines are also reddish-orange in color.

◆Flavor
Tangerine's taste is considered sweeter and stronger than an orange.

◆Seed Count
A tangerine generally has one seed per section.

◆Season
Tangerines are available from November to January.

◆Nutritional Benefits
Tangerines are a great source of vitamin B and C, folate, beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium, etc. According to a new study, tangerines can prevent obesity and fight diabetes.

◆Varieties
Varieties of tangerine include Clementine, Dancy, King Mandarin, Murcott, Ponkan, Robinson, Satsuma, and Sunburst, etc.

Both the fruits are considered as holiday fruits due to their availability seasons. They are used in salads, and juices. However, they taste their best when eaten raw.