Oranges and mandarins come in a variety of forms. Explore our guide to different types of oranges and mandarins, so you can confidently choose the best fruit for snacking, juicing and gifting.
Oranges vs. Mandarins: What's the Difference?
Mandarins are a type of orange that's generally smaller, easier to peel and typically sweeter with less acidity compared to oranges. They often have few or no seeds.
Oranges are larger and known for their higher juice content. While some varieties are seedless, others may contain seeds. Oranges also feature a slightly more acidic taste.
Different Types of Mandarins
Mandarins offer a variety of flavors and uses, from snacking to juicing, making them versatile additions to any fruit basket or culinary creation. Here's a guide to the differences in mandarins:
- Satsuma mandarins: Honey-sweet with low acidity, Satsuma mandarins are excellent for snacking. This flattened sphere-shaped mandarin is typically seedless and easy to peel. They're generally available from fall to early winter, with the peak season occurring in October and November.
- Tangerines: Sweet, rich and slightly tangy, tangerines have a deep orange color. They usually contain a few seeds and ripen in late fall to early winter.
- Clementines: Tiny, seedless and super sweet, clementines are often known as seedless tangerines. They're a popular winter fruit, typically available from November to January.
- Tangelos: This fruit is a cross between a tangerine and a grapefruit, known for its juicy and mildly tart flavor. They contain seeds and are normally available from November to March.
Popular Types of Oranges
Oranges may be slightly more acidic, but they bring their own benefits and flavors to your kitchen. Here are some examples of orange types:
- Cara Cara oranges: Also known as Red Navel oranges, this variant has a pink-red flesh. It's a sweet, winter seasonal fruit with low acidity.
- Navel oranges: Due to their sweet flavor, Navel oranges are perfect for eating fresh. They're easy to peel and seedless. These oranges are available in winter, generally from December to April.
- Valencia oranges: Also known as the juice orange, Valencia oranges are ideal for making fresh orange juice. They're available from late spring to summer, typically March through June.
- Blood oranges: With a unique red flesh, berry-like flavor and few seeds, blood oranges are excellent for snacking and juicing. Their seasonality is from winter to early spring.
Frequently Asked Questions Around Oranges and Mandarins
Still curious about oranges and mandarins? Here are answers to a couple frequently asked questions.
Are Mandarins and Tangerines the Same?
Mandarins and tangerines are not identical. Tangerines are a type of mandarin that's slightly more tangy with more seeds.
Which Is Sweetest: Satsumas, Clementines or Tangerines?
Satsumas are generally considered the sweetest among these three types of mandarins. Satsumas are sweet with a mild flavor. Clementines are also quite sweet, but have a slightly tangy flavor. Tangerines tend to have a slightly more tart or tangy taste compared to the other two fruits.
Try Our Georgia-Grown Mandarins and Oranges
Dickey Farms offers seasonal Satsuma mandarins and Cara Cara oranges, which are the best types for adding a burst of freshness to your day. Our local climate and soil conditions contribute to the distinct taste of these fruits.
Buy these special treats online or visit our farm market in Musella, GA, to explore a variety of fresh produce and other local goods.
