
Sometimes referred to as “baby oranges,” tangerines are smaller, somewhat flattened and generally less rounded, making them a perfect pocket-sized snack. However, as a rule of thumb, oranges grow to a larger size than tangerines. Oranges come in different sizes and slightly different shapes, depending on the variety. The main distinction between tangerines and oranges is size. Oranges originated in Asia, while tangerines originated in Florida. Tangerines are a subgroup of mandarin, while oranges are a hybrid of the pomelo and mandarin fruits. However, most oranges are in their prime from November through March. Peak orange season varies based on the variety. Given their low acid concentration, these oranges are predominantly eaten and not used to make juice.

The majority of oranges in this class are used for juice production.

They can be divided into four classes, each with identifying characteristics: There are many different varieties of oranges. Interestingly, oranges are hybrids of two fruits: pomelo and mandarin. They are the fruit of the Citrus x sinensis species and are also members of the citrus family ( 3). Today, the vast majority of oranges are produced in Florida and Sao Paulo, Brazil ( 2). Oranges originated many years ago in Asia, most likely in Southern China and Indonesia. Tangerines are typically in their prime from late October through January. Most commonly, mandarins that are reddish-orange and brightly colored tend to be labeled as tangerines. However, from a botanic standpoint, tangerines refer to a subgroup of mandarins. Tangerines are often labeled as mandarins, or vice versa, especially in the United States ( 1). Like oranges, tangerines are members of the citrus family, but they are the fruit of the C. In the 1800s, they received the name “tangerine” because they were imported through the city of Tangier in Morocco. Tangerines were first grown in Palatka, Florida. They may look alike, but they are actually two different species of fruit with separate origins and varieties. And while the orange may have a reputation as one of the U.S.’s most common and basic fruits (right up there with the apple and banana), it’s actually very special! The orange as we know it is a hybrid of two other citrus trees: the pomelo (which is like a slightly less bitter grapefruit) and the mandarin (which is flat, small, sweet, and orange in color) – it’s not believed to have ever existed in the wild.Tangerines and oranges have similar qualities because they are members of the same family. With all that noted, you might be confused by the dozens of different oranges varieties – not citrus as a whole, just oranges – that pop up this time of year. But, look, so few things bring us joy in the middle of winter we’ll ready to pay a bit more for a bite of sunshine. In California, a slightly light crop is expected as well, which means citrus may be priced a bit higher than usual this year. Hurricane Irma, in Florida, is estimated to have reduced the citrus crop by about 21 percent, which would make this the worst season for Florida citrus in decades. This year has been a difficult one for citrus growers.

For much of the U.S., the phrase “winter crops” brings to mind only a few options: daikon radishes, Jerusalem artichokes, turnips, maybe some of the hardier brassicas, like cabbage or broccoli.īut elsewhere, especially in South Florida and California, winter is a joyful time, because citrus is back in season.
