What’s the Difference Between a Clementine and a Mandarin?

Small, easy-to-peel citrus fruits go by a dozen different names. You’ve probably heard them called mandarins, tangerines, and Clementines—just to name a few! But what’s the difference between a Clementine and a mandarin, and how do you tell them apart in your office’s fruit bowl?

Clementines vs. Mandarins

There actually isn’t a difference between Clementines and mandarins. They’re the same thing! Specifically, Clementines are a type of mandarin.

“Clementines are part of the mandarin orange family,” Michelle Alo, vice president of marketing for the California citrus grower Kings River Packing, told The FruitGuys. “Domestically, Clementines start the mandarin season each year from October to December, followed by other varieties such as Page in December and January, and Murcott/Tango, which cover the end of January through the remainder of the domestic citrus season.”

Clementines are also known as Algerian mandarins or Clementine mandarins. Kings River Packing supplies The FruitGuys with juicy Clementine, Page, and Murcott/Tango mandarins through the winter season.

What Makes Clementines Special?

Clementines are typically small, seedless, and easy to peel, so they’re a great snack during the workday. They have a sweet-but-tangy flavor, and you can usually spot them by their shape.

“Clementines tend to have a slight bump at the top of the fruit where the stem is attached,” Michelle said.

That makes it easy to tell them apart from round, dark orange Page mandarins and squat Murcott/Tango mandarins.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the Clementine is its history, which dates back to the 1800s in Algeria. Legend has it that’s where botanist Louis Charles Trabut first saw the mandarin growing in monk Brother Clément’s garden. He christened the fruit in his honor!

You can read more about the history, health benefits, and culinary uses of clementines in “Algerian Mandarin: The Ultimate Guide.”

More About Mandarins

Mandarins are one of the five original citrus fruits that the rest of the citrus family descended from. They’re a parent to sweet oranges, sour oranges, mandarinquats, and tangelos. Mandarins are a popular pick for snacking because they’re sweet and small enough to eat in just a few bites. Many varieties are easy to peel, and some are seedless.

Clementines are one of many mandarin varieties out there. In addition to Page and Murcott/Tango mandarins, you might also find Chinese Honey, Satsuma, Daisy, or Gold Nugget varieties in your office fruit bowl. (Fun fact: These mandarins are sometimes called “tangerines,” which is just a nickname for mandarins with deep red skin.)

If your workplace is lacking in sweet little citrus fruits, check out office fruit deliveries from The FruitGuys. Mandarins pop up in most mixes during the winter citrus season!