Kishu mandarins are about the size of a walnut, and other than their size, they are similar to other mandarins. However, they are the most common mandarin used for the canned mandarins you buy at the grocery store. Satsuma are much less durable than other mandarins, making them harder to ship and thus harder to find. Tangelos are a cross between a tangerine and pomelo (or grapefruit), giving them a sweet and slightly tart flavor.ĭeveloped as a late-season variety at UC-Riverside, along with Tahoe Gold and Yosemite Gold.Satsumas are even smaller, also seedless, even easier to peel, and more fragile (they bruise easily).They are often sold under the Halo or Sweetie brands. Clementines are smaller than tangerines, and seedless.Tangerines are technically a type of mandarin, but the two terms are used interchangeably these days.Tangerines, clementines, and satsumas are all types of mandarins with their own characteristics. Mandarins are a type of orange that have slightly flat ends, thinner skin, and often sweeter flavor. While 'tangerine' originally referred to a specific variety, it is now used interchangeable with the term 'mandarin.' Types of mandarins The difference between mandarins, tangerines, clementines, and satsumas VarietiesĬlementines, tangerines, satsumas, tangelos, and halos are all different types of Mandarins. See what else is in season at the same time: January, February, March, April, November, and December. For the rest of us, we have to hope we buy a good batch at the store.

If you live in an area that grows them, it's worth seeking out at a farmers market. Like other citrus, mandarins don't get sweeter after they are picked. Fresh Satsuma can show up in October if they are grown near you, but they aren't often shipped long distances due to their fragility. Mandarins are in season during the cooler months, from roughly November through April. The most convenient snacking citrus tastes a whole lot better when you get them in-season and when they've had more time to ripen on the tree.

Clementine satsuma mandarin tangerine