Mandarin vs. Tangerine: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on June 14, 2024
Mandarin is a broad category of citrus fruit, while a Tangerine is a specific type of Mandarin with a thinner, easily-peelable skin.
Key Differences
Mandarin refers to a group of citrus fruits that are part of the Citrus reticulata family. They are often recognized by their small size, sweet flavor, and ease of peeling. Tangerine, on the other hand, is a specific variety of Mandarin. It's known for its bright orange color, distinctive sweet taste, and a skin that's thin and peels easily.
In many parts of the world, the words Mandarin and Tangerine are used interchangeably due to their close relationship. However, not all Mandarins are Tangerines, but all Tangerines are Mandarins. This is similar to how all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares.
One of the key distinguishing factors between a Mandarin and a Tangerine is their skin. Mandarins, in general, have a thicker skin compared to Tangerines. The Tangerine's thin skin not only makes it easier to peel but also gives it a slightly glossy appearance.
When it comes to taste, both Mandarins and Tangerines are sweet. However, Tangerines tend to have a stronger flavor and are often more aromatic. This flavor profile makes Tangerines a favorite for desserts, juices, and other culinary delights.
Cultivation of these fruits varies based on the type. While Mandarins are grown in various parts of the world, Tangerines, being a specific subtype of Mandarin, have particular growing conditions that make them thrive best in certain regions.
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Comparison Chart
Classification
Broad category of citrus fruit
Specific type of Mandarin
Skin Thickness
Generally thicker
Thinner and easily peelable
Taste
Sweet
Often sweeter and more aromatic
Color
Can vary
Bright orange
Cultivation Regions
Grown globally in various conditions
Specific regions for best results
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Mandarin and Tangerine Definitions
Mandarin
Bright reddish-orange color.
The sunset painted the sky in shades of Mandarin.
Tangerine
A specific type of Mandarin citrus fruit with a bright orange color.
She enjoyed a juicy Tangerine as a mid-morning snack.
Mandarin
A type of small orange citrus fruit.
I added some Mandarin segments to my salad for a zesty flavor.
Tangerine
A person or thing that is unique or distinctive in some manner.
Her style was so unique; she was truly a Tangerine in a world of apples.
Mandarin
The official language of China.
She studied Mandarin for five years before visiting Beijing.
Tangerine
A bright orange color.
The room was painted in a vibrant Tangerine hue.
Mandarin
A person who has a very high level of knowledge or skill in a particular field.
In the tech industry, he was considered a Mandarin.
Tangerine
A type of fabric with a shiny, glossy appearance.
The dress, made of Tangerine fabric, shimmered in the light.
Mandarin
Any of a group of related dialects of Chinese spoken principally in the north and west of China.
Tangerine
Referring to something related to the city of Tangier.
He bought the rug on his Tangerine adventure.
Mandarin
The official national standard spoken language of China, based on the Mandarin dialect spoken in and around Beijing. Also called Guoyu, Putonghua.
Tangerine
A widely cultivated variety of mandarin orange having deep red-orange fruit with easily separated segments.
Mandarin
A member of any of the nine ranks of high public officials in the Chinese Empire.
Tangerine
A strong reddish orange to strong or vivid orange.
Mandarin
A high government official or bureaucrat.
Tangerine
Any of several varieties of mandarin oranges.
Mandarin
A member of an elite group, especially a person having influence or high status in intellectual or cultural circles.
Tangerine
A deep yellowish-orange colour, like that of a tangerine fruit.
Mandarin
A mandarin orange.
Tangerine
A tree that produces tangerines.
Mandarin orange
Mandarin
Of, relating to, or resembling a mandarin.
Tangerine
Of a deep yellowish-orange colour.
Mandarin
Marked by elaborate and refined language or literary style.
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.
Mandarin
(historical) A high government bureaucrat of the Chinese Empire.
Tangerine
A variety of mandarin orange
Mandarin
A pedantic or elitist bureaucrat.
Tangerine
Any of various deep orange mandarins grown in the United States and southern Africa
Mandarin
A pedantic senior person of influence in academia or literary circles.
Tangerine
A reddish to vivid orange color
Mandarin
(ornithology) mandarin duck
Tangerine
Of a strong reddish orange color
Mandarin
A senior civil servant.
Mandarin
Ellipsis of mandarin orange:
Mandarin
A small, sweet citrus fruit.
Mandarin
A tree of the species Citrus reticulata.
Mandarin
(color) An orange colour.
Mandarin
Pertaining to or reminiscent of mandarins; deliberately superior or complex; esoteric, highbrow, obscurantist.
Mandarin
A Chinese public officer or nobleman; a civil or military official in China and Annam.
Mandarin
A powerful government official or bureaucrat, especially one who is pedantic and has a strong sense of his own importance and privelege.
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.
Mandarin
The form of the Chinese language spoken by members of the Chinese Imperial Court an officials of the empire.
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.
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.
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
Mandarin
A member of an elite intellectual or cultural group
Mandarin
Any high government official or bureaucrat
Mandarin
A high public official of imperial China
Mandarin
A somewhat flat reddish-orange loose-skinned citrus of China
Mandarin
The dialect of Chinese spoken in Beijing and adopted as the official language for all of China
Mandarin
A high-ranking official in the former Chinese imperial government.
The Mandarin held a significant position in the court.
FAQs
Are all Tangerines Mandarins?
Yes, all Tangerines are Mandarins, but not all Mandarins are Tangerines.
Is Mandarin also a language?
Yes, Mandarin refers to the official language of China.
Are Mandarins sweeter than Tangerines?
Both are sweet, but Tangerines are often considered sweeter and more aromatic.
Can I use Mandarin and Tangerine interchangeably in recipes?
Generally, yes, but Tangerines might add a stronger citrus flavor.
What's the main difference between Mandarin and Tangerine?
Tangerine is a specific variety of Mandarin with a thinner skin and often a brighter orange color.
Why are Tangerines easier to peel?
Tangerines have a thinner skin compared to most Mandarins.
Can I substitute oranges for Mandarins or Tangerines in recipes?
Yes, but expect a different flavor profile. Oranges can be tangier and less sweet.
Are Mandarins and Tangerines the same as oranges?
No, they are different types of citrus fruits but belong to the same citrus family.
How can I differentiate between a Mandarin and a Tangerine at a store?
Look for the skin thickness and color. Tangerines often have a brighter orange hue and thinner skin.
Is Mandarin orange the same as Mandarin?
Yes, the term "Mandarin orange" is often used to refer to Mandarins.
Do Mandarins and Tangerines have seeds?
Both can have seeds, but there are seedless varieties available.
Can I learn Mandarin from a Tangerine?
No, one is a fruit and the other is a language.
Do Tangerines have more vitamin C than Mandarins?
Both are rich in vitamin C, but the content can vary based on the specific variety and cultivation methods.
Is the taste of a Mandarin consistent across all varieties?
No, the taste can vary based on the specific variety of Mandarin.
Is the term "Mandarin" related to the Chinese officials?
Yes, "Mandarin" also referred to a high-ranking official in the former Chinese imperial government.
Why are Tangerines often associated with Christmas?
Tangerines are in season during winter and have become a traditional Christmas stocking stuffer in many cultures.
Is Mandarin a color?
Yes, Mandarin can refer to a bright reddish-orange color.
Why is it called a Tangerine?
The name is believed to come from Tangier, a port in Morocco, where the first ship with Tangerines reportedly arrived in Europe.
Are Tangerines only grown in Tangier?
No, the name comes from Tangier, but Tangerines are grown in various parts of the world.
How should I store Mandarins and Tangerines?
They can be stored at room temperature for a short period but for longer storage, refrigeration is recommended.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
