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Different Types of Oranges and Tangerines
By Anjela Boyd
An orange is an orange is not an orange.
We've all seen them. Probably eaten many of them but have you ever really thought about them. I mean really thought about the differences between them. Oranges and tangerines that is. Both are citrus fruits that are grown on trees and have a rind that must be peeled before eating. Well, I suppose you could eat the rind but that would be a bit rough, not to mention bitter.
A tangerine is smaller than an orange with a rind that easier to peel away. Both oranges and tangerines have rinds that vary in thickness and color depending on variety, however both are varying shades of orange ranging in shade with hues of yellow to red. Tangerines' tend to be sweeter than oranges and less acidic. Each have similar nutritional values, however the orange being larger in most cases will pack a little more nutritional punch due to its increased size.
Some make the mistake of referring to tangerines as mandarin oranges, but this is not the case. Tangerines are a subgroup of mandarins and so not all mandarin oranges are in fact tangerines. But all mandarins are oranges. Now I found a number of explanations regarding the difference and this route seemed most plausible to me. Do take note however that I am no horticulturist and I have not personally studied citrus. I am a fact-gatherer and interpreter. Confused? Don't worry you'll be fine.
OK, so now we know that there are oranges and mandarins are a variety of oranges and tangerines are a subgroup of mandarins. All caught up now? Good, let's move on shall we.
Let's start by taking a ride into the orange universe, behind the rind, within the skin, alright you get it, I know. There are several varieties of oranges, but the two most popular are the Valencia and the Navel.
Are you an innie or an outie? Navel that is. The navel orange was born as a single mutation way back in 1820 at a Brazilian monastery. The mutation causes a second orange to grow at the base of the first and is considered a conjoined twin of the first. In a nutshell, the size of a tiny chestnut lets say, this mutation means that navel orange that we eat today are basically the same as eating from the very first tree. Interesting little tidbit huh? I thought so. Anywho, the navel orange is yummy, seedless and probably the most popular variety.
The other most popular variety, the Valencia is a late season orange with peak supplies in May, June and July. The Valencia orange is a popular variety when the navels are out of season and are one of the sweeter varieties used in juicing. They are small-to-medium is size and have few seeds.
Another small-to-medium variety with few seeds is the blood orange that gets its name from the blood red streaks in the flesh. These reds shades vary from a maroon to a deep burgundy and are quite interesting to look at. These varieties have an intense orange flavor that sometimes seems to have a hint of raspberry in the flavor.
Though there are varieties within varieties the final type of orange I will comment on is the Cara Cara which is actually a type of navel that is dark pink or red in color.
Tangerines tend to be smaller than oranges and heavy for their size with pebbly skin and no deep grooves. These citrus wonders have a relatively short growing season that typically runs from November to January, in the Northern Hemisphere that is.
The Honey Tang-erine is just as the name implies, sweet and yummy, not to mention good for you. Other varieties include the Dancy which is not as widely grown as it once was and the Fairchild.
Clementine's, those small orange wonders often sold by the box in grocery stores are listed as being both tangerines and oranges, I don't know who makes this stuff up, but they are so good they are worth mentioning. Small and sweet, but oh so awesome.
Tangerines have small segments that are easily separated and are often used in salads and other dishes because of the unique flavors that they offer up.
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