Tangelo vs. Orange — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 9, 2024
Tangelo is a hybrid citrus fruit, combining traits of tangerine and grapefruit or pomelo, noted for its juiciness and mild, sweet flavor; oranges are larger, typically less juicy, with a distinctly sweet or slightly acidic taste.
Difference Between Tangelo and Orange
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Tangelos, being hybrids primarily of tangerines and grapefruit or pomelo, are unique for their relatively large size compared to tangerines but generally smaller than most oranges. They are particularly recognized for their juiciness and mild, sweet flavor, which differs distinctly from their parent fruits. Oranges, on the other hand, are known for their consistent size and the balance between sweetness and acidity, making them a favorite for both eating fresh and for juice production.
The skin of a tangelo is typically thinner and looser, which makes them easier to peel compared to oranges. This characteristic is inherited from the tangerine parentage. Whereas oranges have a thicker, more tightly bound skin that can vary in texture and thickness based on the variety but generally requires more effort to peel.
Tangelos are less commonly found in global markets and are considered somewhat specialty fruits. They are prized in niche markets where exotic or hybrid fruits are sought after. Oranges are globally ubiquitous, serving as a staple citrus fruit in diets all over the world, readily available in almost every grocery store.
In terms of cultivation, tangelos require specific climatic conditions similar to other citrus fruits but can be more sensitive to extreme temperatures and frost, unlike oranges, which have been cultivated in a variety of climates and have numerous varieties each adapted to different growing conditions.
Tangelos often have a distinctively different shape, often with a characteristic nipple at the stem, which makes them easily identifiable. Oranges are usually round with a smooth outline and lack such pronounced physical features.
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Comparison Chart
Parentage
Tangerine and grapefruit/pomelo
Pure species
Peel
Thin and loose
Thicker and tighter
Juiciness
Very juicy
Juicy
Market Availability
Specialty markets
Widely available globally
Shape
Often has a nipple at the stem
Typically round and smooth
Compare with Definitions
Tangelo
Less commonly found in standard grocery stores.
She found tangelos at the exotic fruit section of the market.
Orange
A round, typically orange citrus fruit known for its sweet or slightly acidic flavor.
He added orange slices to the salad for a citrusy punch.
Tangelo
Typically has a loose, easily peelable skin.
Peeling a tangelo is easier than peeling an orange.
Orange
Adaptable to various climates and growing conditions.
Orange trees flourish in both temperate and tropical regions.
Tangelo
Known for its juicy content and mild flavor.
The tangelo juice was refreshing and less acidic than orange juice.
Orange
Used both for eating fresh and in juice form.
Freshly squeezed orange juice is a popular breakfast drink.
Tangelo
Sensitive to frost and requires specific growing conditions.
Growing tangelos in northern climates requires protective measures against frost.
Orange
Widely cultivated and available around the world.
Oranges are a staple fruit in many countries.
Tangelo
A hybrid citrus fruit between a tangerine and a grapefruit or pomelo.
I tried a tangelo for the first time and loved its sweet taste.
Orange
The peel can vary in texture but is generally thicker.
The thick peel of the orange was difficult to remove.
Tangelo
The tangelo ( TAN-jə-loh, tan-JEL-oh; C. reticulata × C. maxima or × C. paradisi), Citrus × tangelo, is a citrus fruit hybrid of a Citrus reticulata variety, such as a mandarin orange or tangerine, and a Citrus maxima variety, such as a pomelo or grapefruit. The name is a portmanteau of 'tangerine' and 'pomelo'.
Orange
A town in southern France, on the River Rhône, home of the ancestors of the Dutch royal house.
Tangelo
A hybrid citrus tree derived from a tangerine and a grapefruit or pomelo, having juicy flavorful fruit with a loose rind.
Orange
Relating to the Orange Order
Orange marches
Tangelo
The fruit of this tree.
Orange
Any of several evergreen trees of the genus Citrus of Southeast Asia, widely cultivated in warm regions and having fragrant white flowers and round fruit with a yellowish or reddish rind and a sectioned, pulpy interior, especially the sweet orange and the bitter orange.
Tangelo
A citrus fruit that is a cross between a tangerine and a pomelo or a grapefruit.
Orange
The fruit of any of these trees, having a sweetish, acidic juice.
Tangelo
A red-orange colour, like that of a tangelo.
Orange
Any of several similar plants, such as the Osage orange and the mock orange.
Tangelo
A hybrid between the tangerine orange and the grapefruit, or pomelo; also, the fruit.
Orange
The hue of that portion of the visible spectrum lying between red and yellow, evoked in the human observer by radiant energy with wavelengths of approximately 590 to 630 nanometers; any of a group of colors between red and yellow in hue, of medium lightness and moderate saturation.
Tangelo
Hybrid between grapefruit and mandarin orange; cultivated especially in Florida
Orange
Of the color orange.
Tangelo
Large sweet juicy hybrid between tangerine and grapefruit having a thick wrinkled skin
Orange
Made from oranges.
Orange
Tasting or smelling like oranges.
Orange
(countable) An evergreen tree of the genus Citrus such as Citrus sinensis.
Orange
(countable) The fruit of the orange tree; a citrus fruit with a slightly sour flavour.
Orange
The colour of a ripe fruit of an orange tree, midway between red and yellow.
Orange
Various drinks:
Orange
(uncountable) Orange juice.
Orange
(uncountable) An orange-coloured and orange-flavoured cordial.
Orange
(uncountable) An orange-coloured and orange-flavoured soft drink.
Orange
Having the colour of the fruit of an orange tree; yellowred; reddish-yellow.
Orange
(transitive) To color orange.
Orange
(intransitive) To become orange.
Orange
The fruit of a tree of the genus Citrus (Citrus Aurantium). It is usually round, and consists of pulpy carpels, commonly ten in number, inclosed in a leathery rind, which is easily separable, and is reddish yellow when ripe.
Orange
The tree that bears oranges; the orange tree.
Orange
The color of an orange; reddish yellow.
Orange
Of or pertaining to an orange; of the color of an orange; reddish yellow; as, an orange ribbon.
Orange
Round yellow to orange fruit of any of several citrus trees
Orange
Any of a range of colors between red and yellow
Orange
Any citrus tree bearing oranges
Orange
Any pigment producing the orange color
Orange
A river in South Africa that flows generally westward to the Atlantic Ocean
Orange
Similar to the color of a ripe orange
Common Curiosities
Are tangelos easier to peel than oranges?
Yes, tangelos have thinner and looser skins, making them easier to peel compared to the typically thicker-skinned oranges.
Can I substitute an orange for a tangelo in recipes?
While both can be used interchangeably, the milder sweetness of tangelos might not provide the same flavor intensity as oranges in some recipes.
How does the taste of a tangelo compare to an orange?
Tangelos are generally sweeter and milder than oranges, which can have a more balanced sweet-acidic taste.
What are the best uses for a tangelo?
Tangelos are excellent for fresh eating, salads, and making juice, particularly if a sweeter, less acidic juice is desired.
Can tangelos be grown in any orange-growing region?
While tangelos can be grown in many orange-growing regions, they may require more care against cold weather.
What is a tangelo?
A tangelo is a hybrid citrus fruit derived from a tangerine and a grapefruit or pomelo.
Do tangelos and oranges have the same nutritional value?
Both fruits are similar in nutritional content, providing good amounts of vitamin C, though the exact values can vary slightly due to their different hybrid natures.
Are tangelos good for juicing?
Yes, tangelos are very juicy and are excellent for making a sweet, flavorful juice.
Where can I buy tangelos?
Tangelos are more likely to be found in specialty fruit markets or stores that stock exotic fruits.
What makes a tangelo distinct from an orange in appearance?
Tangelos often have a nipple-like protrusion at the stem, whereas oranges are usually smooth and uniformly round.
Is the orange or tangelo more popular globally?
Oranges are more popular and widely consumed globally compared to the less common tangelo.
What are the benefits of choosing tangelos over oranges?
Tangelos offer a unique taste and easier peeling experience, which might be preferred in certain culinary uses or by those seeking variety in their fruit consumption.
How do the growing requirements for tangelos differ from oranges?
Tangelos are generally more sensitive to frost and require specific climatic conditions, unlike oranges, which are more versatile in their growing needs.
How long do tangelos and oranges last once picked?
Both fruits have a similar shelf life, typically lasting several weeks when stored properly in a cool, dry place.
Are there different varieties of tangelos as there are oranges?
Yes, there are several varieties of tangelos, each with unique characteristics, though not as numerous as the varieties of oranges.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
