Tangelo vs. Tangerine — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 1, 2024
Tangelos, hybrids of tangerines and grapefruit, have a sweeter and less acidic taste compared to the smaller, more tart tangerines.
Difference Between Tangelo and Tangerine
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Tangelos are a hybrid fruit, combining the characteristics of tangerines and grapefruit, offering a distinct, sweet, and juicy flavor profile, while tangerines are a type of mandarin orange, known for their deep orange color and tangy taste.
The size of a tangelo is typically larger and has a slightly pear-shaped form due to its grapefruit heritage, whereas tangerines are smaller with a more uniform spherical shape.
Tangelos are recognized for their juiciness and relatively few seeds, making them ideal for juicing, while tangerines are often preferred for snacking due to their easy-to-peel skin and segment division.
The skin of a tangelo tends to be thicker and more textured, which can be slightly more challenging to peel in comparison to the thinner, smoother skin of tangerines.
Regarding nutritional content, tangelos provide a higher vitamin C and dietary fiber content owing to their grapefruit component, on the other hand, tangerines contain slightly higher levels of vitamin A.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Hybrid (tangerine and grapefruit)
Variety of mandarin orange
Size
Larger and pear-shaped
Smaller and spherical
Taste
Sweeter and less acidic
Tart and sweet
Peel
Thicker and more textured
Thinner and smoother
Seed Content
Fewer seeds
Seeds vary depending on the variety
Compare with Definitions
Tangelo
A citrus fruit that is a hybrid of a tangerine and a grapefruit.
The tangelo offers a refreshing zest used in fruit salads.
Tangerine
Noted for its vibrant orange skin that is easy to peel.
Kids love tangerines for their no-fuss, easy-to-peel nature.
Tangelo
Known for its juicy content and relatively large size.
Tangelos are often preferred for making fresh citrus juice.
Tangerine
A small citrus fruit belonging to the mandarin family.
Tangerines are a popular snack during the winter months.
Tangelo
Characterized by its slightly pear-shaped body.
The tangelo's unique shape distinguishes it from other citrus fruits.
Tangerine
Offers a tangy flavor that is both sweet and tart.
Tangerine zest is often used to add a tangy punch to desserts.
Tangelo
Features a pebbly skin that is relatively thick.
The tangelo’s thick skin provides protection to its juicy interior.
Tangerine
May contain seeds, depending on the variety.
Be sure to check for seeds in tangerines before adding them to salads.
Tangelo
Typically has a sweet flavor with less acidity.
If you prefer a sweeter citrus without the sharp tang, try a tangelo.
Tangerine
Contains segments that are easily separable.
Tangerine segments are perfect for lunchboxes due to their ease of eating.
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'.
Tangerine
The tangerine is a type of orange. Its scientific name varies.
Tangelo
A hybrid citrus tree derived from a tangerine and a grapefruit or pomelo, having juicy flavorful fruit with a loose rind.
Tangerine
A widely cultivated variety of mandarin orange having deep red-orange fruit with easily separated segments.
Tangelo
The fruit of this tree.
Tangerine
A strong reddish orange to strong or vivid orange.
Tangelo
A citrus fruit that is a cross between a tangerine and a pomelo or a grapefruit.
Tangerine
Any of several varieties of mandarin oranges.
Tangelo
A red-orange colour, like that of a tangelo.
Tangerine
A deep yellowish-orange colour, like that of a tangerine fruit.
Tangelo
A hybrid between the tangerine orange and the grapefruit, or pomelo; also, the fruit.
Tangerine
A tree that produces tangerines.
Mandarin orange
Tangelo
Hybrid between grapefruit and mandarin orange; cultivated especially in Florida
Tangerine
Of a deep yellowish-orange colour.
Tangelo
Large sweet juicy hybrid between tangerine and grapefruit having a thick wrinkled skin
Tangerine
A kind of orange, much like the mandarin, but of deeper color and higher flavor. It is said to have been produced in America from the mandarin.
Tangerine
A variety of mandarin orange
Tangerine
Any of various deep orange mandarins grown in the United States and southern Africa
Tangerine
A reddish to vivid orange color
Tangerine
Of a strong reddish orange color
Common Curiosities
How do tangelos differ from tangerines in taste?
Tangelos are generally sweeter and less acidic than tangerines.
Can you eat the peel of a tangelo?
While edible, the peel of a tangelo is generally not consumed due to its thick and textured nature.
Are tangelos good for juicing?
Yes, their juicy nature and larger size make tangelos excellent for juicing.
How are tangelos and tangerines used in cooking?
Tangelos are commonly used in juices and smoothies due to their juiciness, while tangerines are often used in salads, desserts, and as garnishes because of their flavor and easy-to-separate segments.
What is the nutritional value of a tangerine compared to a tangelo?
Tangelos generally have a higher vitamin C and fiber content than tangerines, which have slightly higher levels of vitamin A.
What are the peak seasons for tangelos and tangerines?
Tangelos are typically in season from late fall through winter, similar to tangerines, which have their peak season in the colder months.
What is a tangelo?
A hybrid citrus fruit, derived from a tangerine and grapefruit, known for its sweet flavor and juiciness.
What are the best uses for tangerines?
Tangerines are great for snacking, salads, or as a tangy addition to desserts.
Can tangelos be eaten raw like tangerines?
Yes, both tangelos and tangerines can be enjoyed raw. Tangelos are particularly good in fruit salads, whereas tangerines are popular as a quick snack.
Which is more popular globally, tangelos or tangerines?
Tangerines are more widely known and consumed globally compared to tangelos.
Can tangerines and tangelos cross-pollinate?
While theoretically possible within citrus varieties, tangerines and tangelos typically do not cross-pollinate in natural settings due to different flowering times and geographical cultivation.
Are tangelos genetically modified?
No, tangelos are not genetically modified but are a natural hybrid between tangerines and grapefruit.
Do tangelos and tangerines grow on the same type of tree?
No, tangelos grow on trees that are hybrids of tangerine and grapefruit trees, while tangerines grow on various types of mandarin orange trees.
How do you store tangelos and tangerines?
Both fruits should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. They can also be refrigerated to extend their shelf life.
What are the common varieties of tangelos and tangerines?
Popular tangelo varieties include the Minneola and the Orlando, while common tangerine varieties include Clementine, Satsuma, and Dancy.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
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.
