Why are tangerines orange

The difference between orange and tangerine begins with their origins. Like oranges, tangerines are members of the citrus family, but they are the fruit of the C. Oranges are a hybrid of mandarins and pomelos, while tangerines are a subgroup of mandarins. While all tangerines are mandarins, however, not all mandarins are tangerines. The fruit referred to as Halo tangerines are a mandarin brand name.

A Satsuma tangerine and clementine tangerine also refers to varieties of mandarin that are not tangerines at all though they are often marketed as such in the US and elsewhere due to their similarities to tangerines. Though they are similar in appearance, there are a number of ways you can tell the difference between a tangerine and an orange:.

My elementary soccer career was short-lived. As soon as I realized that soccer involved physical contact, I was not so thrilled on continuing to the next year. Although I don't really miss the actual playing of soccer, the halftime orange slices we were given to snack on is another story.

Nothing made running around in the sun worthwhile like those individual slices of oranges. But every once in a while, the team parents mixed it up with tangerines. My little mind always wondered what the difference between tangerines vs oranges was, and I'm finally getting around to finding out.

The origins of oranges are mostly unknown, but they are thought to have originated in either India or China. They were brought to the Mediterranean by Italian traders around and were quickly adopted because Europeans valued citrus fruit for their medicinal purposes. The Spaniards later brought the orange to the US and its popularity spread from there. Tangerines or mandarins originated in Southeast Asia and North Africa. However, tangerines generally are much easier to peel than oranges.

The table below compares the nutrition of a 3. Overall, tangerines and oranges have similar nutrient profiles. However, tangerines tend to have slightly more calories per serving. They also contain a few more grams of carbs.

One notable difference between the nutrient profile of tangerines versus oranges is that oranges have more than double the amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps support connective tissues including skin, blood vessels and bones 6.

Oranges also have slightly more fiber than tangerines, making them a very good source of this beneficial carbohydrate. That said, tangerines contain more vitamin A per serving. One 3. Both tangerines and oranges provide a good variety of nutrients, including potassium, thiamin and folate. Either fruit can be a nutritious, low-calorie addition to your diet. Tangerines contain more vitamin A than oranges, though oranges are lower in calories and higher in vitamin C and fiber.

They are both good sources of vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, folate and potassium. Oranges are a great source of highly absorbable vitamin C. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals, which may play a role in cancer prevention 7 , 8 , 9. The majority of the health benefits of oranges are likely linked to their high vitamin C content. A handful of studies have looked at the effects of orange consumption, particularly orange juice consumption, on various health factors.

One study found that drinking orange juice decreased DNA damage. The study concluded that vitamin C, in conjunction with other plant compounds present in oranges, likely played an active role in the decrease in damage Those with the highest amounts of serum vitamin C had a significantly lower prevalence of Helicobacter pylori H. Therefore, given the high vitamin C content in oranges, consuming oranges may be beneficial in preventing stomach ulcers caused by H.

Additionally, studies have shown that drinking orange juice may help prevent the formation of calcium oxalate and uric acid, which can contribute to kidney stones 13 , Note that most of these studies observed the effects of drinking orange juice. However, by eating oranges, you also benefit from the fiber , which is lost during juicing.

Studies have shown that eating a high-fiber diet may be beneficial for weight reduction, decreasing the risk of heart disease and improving blood sugar levels 15 , 16 , 17 , Eating oranges may be associated with lower LDL and total cholesterol levels, reduced DNA damage and the prevention of stomach ulcers caused by H. Tangerines and oranges can contribute to a high-fiber diet while providing few calories.

Both make great additions to salads, too. When choosing a ripe tangerine, you will want to look for fruits that are deep in color, semi-soft and avoid those with brown spots. Both tangerines and oranges can be stored on the countertop at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on your preference. Tangerines and oranges can be peeled and enjoyed fresh. Both can be used to sweeten up salads, or as a quick and easy snack.

Tangerines appear to be a richer source of vitamin A, while oranges might offer more vitamin C and fiber per serving. Oranges are also more rounded and larger, while tangerines are more flattened and petite, making them a great on-the-go snack.

Tangerines and oranges have their similarities and differences, but both are nutritious and a healthful addition to your daily diet. Here are 7 reasons to eat citrus fruits.