These two popular kinds of mandarins make up around 25% of citrus fruits grown around the world. However, these two fruits are not the same. A quick glance reveals plenty of similarities, such as both being smaller than a typical orange and having bright skin that is soft and easy to peel. It's no surprise that these tangy little citrus fruits are closely related. Mandarins are generally flatter than oranges and, like clementines, are easy to peel because of their thin skin. Clementines have smooth, shiny skin and have a deeper color than mandarins. They are also seedless, making them an ideal snack for both children and adults. Clementines are smaller and easier to peel. People often confuse clementines with another type of a popular mandarin fruit, tangerines.Ĭlementines and tangerines are both types of mandarin oranges. This produced an early version of the clementine, which was later named after its creator. French missionary Clément Rodier helped tend a garden where he used a horticultural technique known as grafting. This variety includes seeds and is larger and sweeter than seedless types.Īll clementines can be traced back to a hybrid believed to have come from Algeria in the early 20th century. However, in Africa, Monreal clementines are the most popular. Other top seedless varieties include Fina and Algerian.

These varieties are primarily grown in Spain and California. When most Americans picture clementines, they think of a common, seedless variety known as Nules or Clemenules.

This citrus hybrid blends the best aspects of mandarin oranges and sweet oranges into a small, juicy fruit that is easy to peel. Small but powerful, clementines pack a punch with their strong flavor and impressive health benefits.

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