Content
The differences between clementine and tangerine are related to the color and structure of the rind, as well as the shape of the fruit. Outwardly they are very similar to each other. Tangerines have a flattened oval shape, and clementines have a classic round shape. The taste of the latter is sweeter, while the pulp of the former has noticeable sourness. At the same time, both citrus fruits are very beneficial for the body; they are even used in dietary nutrition.
What are clementines and tangerines?
Mandarin and clementine belong to citrus fruits from the Rutaceae family.
These are related cultures, but mandarin appeared much earlier. It is an independent species. Clementine was bred more than a century ago. This is a hybrid based on mandarin and king orange.
The main difference between the fruits is related to the following parameters:
- form;
- crust structure;
- color;
- taste;
- aroma.
What is the difference between clementines and tangerines?
It is not so easy to distinguish a clementine from a mandarin because they are similar in shape, size and color of the fruit. If you look more closely, you can see differences. A certain difference is also associated with taste.
Origin story
If you briefly study the history of origin, you will notice that the tangerine is much older than the clementine.The culture is ancient, it has been grown for several thousand years. Initially, tangerine gardens were located in India, and several centuries later they appeared in China.
70% of citrus fruits exported from Morocco are actually clementines (although they are sold under the trade name "tangerines")
For a long time, the plant was considered exotic - the fruits were served only to the emperor and senior officials. In the late Middle Ages, tangerines became widely available. Already in the 16th century, the fruit came to Europe. They appeared on the territory of modern Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Georgia.
Then tangerines came from China to Japan. The crop was brought from Turkey to Morocco, where it began to be grown on an industrial scale. In Russia they first appeared only in the 70s of the 19th century. Moreover, initially tangerines were not a symbol of the New Year. Two decades later, the first tangerine plantations appeared in Georgia and Abkhazia. But mass distribution began only in the mid-60s of the 20th century.
Clementine is a hybrid of a mandarin orange and a king orange. This is a related crop, which was subsequently isolated as a separate species with many varieties. Moreover, clementine received independent status only in 1902. The name is associated with the name of the French missionary Clément Rodier. It was he who discovered the hybrid, grown in one of the shelters in Algeria.
Although there is another version of the origin of clementine, according to which it appeared much earlier than 1902. The fruit originated in Asian countries and then began to be grown in the Mediterranean region. Over time, it spread to Europe and Russia.
Description of fruits
First of all, tangerines differ from clementines in appearance.
Tangerine fruits have a thin yellow peel. The space between the skin and the pulp itself is loose and filled with a substance of spongy consistency. Thanks to this, the crust is very easily separated from the main mass. In the layer, spherical glands are noticeable. They contain essential oil, so they give maximum aroma. The shape of the fruit is round, noticeably flattened above and below. The pulp is yellow-orange, hidden in segments from 10 to 12. Each of them contains seeds (1-2 pieces).
Clementine fruits have several dense leaves on the stem.
It is the leaf plates that deteriorate first, thanks to which you can find out how fresh the product is. The skin is rich yellow-orange, slightly reddish in color. At the same time, the shape is not flattened, it is round and resembles an orange, although clementines are smaller in size. Since there is no loose layer under the skin, it is noticeably more difficult to separate from the pulp.
Taste qualities
You can also distinguish the fruits by taste.
Tangerine pulp contains both sweet and sour shades
Tangerine taste is balanced and refreshing. The aroma is bright, characteristic of citrus fruits.
As for clementine, its taste is sweeter, often pronounced, without sourness. The aroma, on the contrary, is not so noticeable.
What do clementines and tangerines have in common?
Despite their differences, both citrus fruits have several similarities. The fruits are approximately the same size, round in shape and orange-yellow in color. The taste and aroma are also approximately similar, although not completely identical. The main similarities are related to the chemical composition:
- glucose
- fructose;
- organic acids;
- pectins;
- essential oils;
- vitamins E, C, PP;
- mineral salts;
- trace elements (including cobalt, molybdenum, fluorine, potassium, silicon, calcium and manganese);
- phytoncides.
Tangerines and clementines contain many vitamins, minerals and other valuable components
Thanks to their diverse chemical composition, citrus fruits bring great benefits to the body. First of all, they strengthen the immune system. Thus, 100 g of tangerine pulp contains more than 40% of the daily requirement of vitamin C, and clementine contains more than 50% for the same weight.
Both fruits are low in calories: tangerine fruits - 33 kcal per 100 g, and clementine - 47 kcal. The glycemic index is no more than 50, which allows citrus fruits to be used in moderation even for diabetes. The fruits also contain dietary fiber (up to 10% of the daily value per 100 g). These are useful substances that stimulate intestinal motility and significantly improve digestion processes.
The similarity of both citrus fruits is also associated with beneficial properties:
- strengthening the heart muscle;
- improvement of immunity;
- increasing endurance;
- prevention of respiratory diseases;
- restoration of vision;
- increased mood;
- stress relief;
- eliminating sleep problems;
- normalization of weight (fruits can be used for fasting days).
There are certain differences in the composition of citrus fruits. Mandarin orange contains a rather rare organic substance called nobiletin. It helps remove cholesterol from the liver, thereby reducing the risks of dangerous pathologies such as heart attack and stroke. In addition, nobiletin stimulates the body, which has a beneficial effect on metabolism.
Tangerine juice is used as an antifungal agent - external compresses are made for this.The composition contains folic acid, which helps cope with menstrual irregularities. It also promotes the proper formation of the fetus, so tangerines should be consumed in small quantities during pregnancy.
Clementine is distinguished by the fact that it contains a large amount of vitamin C. Just two fruits are enough to meet the daily requirement of this vitally important substance. In addition, the pulp helps in the treatment of pathologies such as gastroduodenitis and cholecystitis. Active substances eliminate pain from ulcers and inflammation in the intestines.
Conclusion
The differences between clementine and mandarin are not always visually noticeable. But if you look closely, you can see that tangerines have a flattened shape and are not so rich in color. If you crush the fruit in your hands, you can feel that it is much more loose. Citrus tastes more sour, while clementine, on the contrary, is sweet.
