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In this article, we’re covering a certain citrus fruit you may have heard of: the tangerine.We’ll tell you what it tastes like, how it compares with other orange varieties and what kinds of recipes are perfect for them.
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What Does a Tangerine Taste Like?
Tangerines are like oranges, but more flavorful.They’re sweeter and don’t have the same level of tang you get in even the sweetest, ripest oranges.
Like orange rinds, tangerine rinds are going to have the essence of the inner fruit but with quite a bitter taste rather than a sweet one.But don’t toss them out—they can be used to enhance the flavor of sauces, jams, teas, fruity beverages, vegan cakes and beyond.
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Tangerine Texture
The rind of the tangerine is dense but thin and malleable.Underneath the skin is a segmented fruit (just like an orange) covered in a fine white pith that feels a bit gritty but soft.
The segmented fruit is incredibly juicy with a fine pulpy texture and a bit of a snap as you bite into the thin skin.You may come across seedless tangerines, but if you don’t, just spit the seeds out.They’re hard and bitter, so you’re not missing out.
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Which is Better, Tangerine or Orange?
Oranges have a more pronounced tart flavor (due to higher acidity), so if you don’t like that, you might be a fan of the tangerine.However, many people enjoy that characteristic of the beloved orange.
Sometimes you get good oranges, and sometimes you get bad ones.The same is true of tangerines.Citrus fruit can be a bit of a gamble, but in general, oranges and tangerines are both tasty fruits.
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What Is the Difference Between Tangerine and Mandarin?
Tangerines are actually hybrids of the mandarin fruit, so they’re quite close.They look similar as they’re both smaller than an orange, but you can tell the tangerines from the mandarins by the color of the peel.
Mandarins are a deep shade or orange.Tangerines, on the other hand, are more of a yellow-orange tone.The taste is a bit different as well.As sweet as tangerines are, mandarins are sweeter.
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Should You Refrigerate Tangerines?
Refrigerating tangerines is a storage option that could preserve them for a longer period of time than if they were left on the counter.You can keep them in the fridge for a good week or two if they’re not already super ripe.
You might get half as much time out of them if they’re left at room temperature, but your bigger problem might be saving some for later on in the week.Tangerines are highly snackable.
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Tangerine Serving Tips
If you’d like to sneak some tangerine into your main meals, check out these videos.They’ll show you some ways of jazzing up breakfast and lunch.
If you need breakfast ideas, start with this tangerine chia pudding topped with granola, coconut and any nuts and seeds you love.
Make it with these ingredients:
- Tangerine juice
- Vegan milk
- Vegan yogurt
- Vanilla
- Maple syrup
- Tangerine zest
- Salt
- Chia seeds
- Granola
- Coconut
- Tangerine wedges
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This salad inspired by Chinese cuisine is crunchy, tangy, sweet and toasty with pistachios, rice wine vinegar and sesame oil.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Either cabbage or fresh fennel
- Kale
- Tangerines
- Rice wine vinegar
- Pistachios
- Toasted sesame oil
- Salt
Wrap Up
Tangerines are sweeter than oranges but slightly more tart than mandarins.Keep them in the fridge or on the counter and enjoy them as snacks or in some of your favorite recipes.For breakfast, try tangerine chia pudding with granola or a tangerine smoothie.For lunch, toss them with greens in a salad, and of course, don’t forget about the desserts.Tangerine sorbet will make your taste buds happy.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
