2023-12-24 09:00:15
You are likely to find them on your table at Christmas, not knowing whether to ask your uncle for a tangerine or a clementine. These two holiday star fruits are often confused because of their similar appearance and taste, but they still have some differences.
The clementine is a hybrid of the tangerine. It owes its name to Father Clément, responsible for the nurseries at the Misserghin orphanage, near Oran in Algeria, who discovered it at the beginning of the 20th century. It was the botanist Louis Trabut who was then the first to describe this fruit in the Revue horticole française in 1902, and gave it the name clementine in homage to Father Clément. “It is a mandarin with a very red tint, especially when fully ripe, the flavor is sweeter, musky,” he described at the time.
Clementines are smaller and rounder than tangerines, with thin, smooth skin that peels easily (Getty Images)
Clementines are smaller and rounder than tangerines, with thin, smooth skin that peels easily. Their flesh is juicy and sweet, and usually does not contain seeds, which makes them very popular with children. Just like the orange, the clementine is a fruit synonymous with celebrations. In the past, young residents of orphanages found one at the foot of their bed as a Christmas present.
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The tangerine, considered one of the oldest citrus fruits (over 3,000 years old), is native to the forest regions of Southeast Asia and the Philippines. In China, the tangerine was not only appreciated for its taste but also for its medicinal properties. It was often associated with prosperity and good fortune, making it popular during Chinese New Year celebrations. It was introduced to Europe in the early 19th century, first via the Ottoman Empire, then spreading to Mediterranean regions.
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The skin of tangerines, which is thicker and rougher, is often more difficult to peel than that of clementines (Getty Images)
Mandarins are slightly larger with a somewhat flattened shape. Their skin, thicker and rougher, is often more difficult to peel than that of clementines. Some varieties of tangerines contain seeds, while others do not. In terms of taste, tangerines offer a less sweet flavor than clementines, accompanied by a slight bitterness which varies depending on the variety.
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Nutritionally, the two fruits are similar: they are rich in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants. However, clementines tend to have slightly fewer calories and sugar per fruit due to their smaller size. In cooking, clementines are often favored for fruit salads, desserts and juices, thanks to their sweetness and the absence of seeds. Mandarins, with their more nuanced flavor, are enjoyed in savory dishes, sauces and marinades, where their slight bitterness can add depth to the dish.
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