In the orange-colored citrus family, there are several categories. Both tangerine hybrids, clementines and tangerines are actually two different varieties. This is why, depending on your desire to consume one or the other, you will have to be careful when buying them in store. This will also prevent you from accidentally coming home with tangerines instead of clementines and vice versa.
How to recognize a clementine?
Clementines are the smallest fruit from the tangerine family. Devoid of seeds, due to their small size, they correspond to the most fragile type of mandarin. The exterior of the clementine is dark orange and its skin is smooth. Its fine texture makes peeling easier, you will love this feature for enjoying fruit when you are in a hurry. Finally, note that these fruits are generally found in stores between November and April.
What is the difference between a tangerine and a clementine?
Even though they contain the same sugar content, tangerines are more tart than clementines. Tangerines are also available a little earlier in the season, as they are harvested from October to April. You will be able to identify them from their bright orange skin, which is much thicker than that of their cousin. Its rougher texture also sometimes makes it more difficult to peel than a clementine.
The touch test is the best test to recognize them. If the fruit looks smooth in your hands, you are in the presence of a clementine. If, on the contrary, the fruit is rough, it is a tangerine. Don’t forget this tip the next time you visit the greengrocer or supermarket.
