Key Difference – Orange vs. Clementine
Both oranges and clementines belong to the citrus family, and while they share many similarities, there are some key differences between them:
– Size and Sterility: Clementines are smaller and seedless, whereas oranges have seeds and come in various sizes.
– Vitamin A Content: Oranges contain significantly more vitamin A than clementines.
– Origins: Oranges originated in China, while clementines were created in Algeria by a French missionary over 100 years ago.
Facts about Orange
Oranges are a hybrid variety between pomelo and mandarin, and are mainly associated with the sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.). They come in various sizes and shapes and are a flowering plant with a normal height of 9-10 m. Oranges are consumed fresh, used in marmalade, salads, desserts, and main dishes, as well as for preparing fresh juice and frozen juice concentrate.
Facts about Clementine
Clementines are a different type of seedless oranges that ripen around the Christmas season. They are available in the United States from November to January. Clementines are easy to peel and have a deep orange, smooth, glossy appearance. They are juicy and sweet, with less acid content than other oranges.
What is the difference between Orange and Clementine?
– Origin: Oranges originated in China, while clementines were created in Algeria.
– Growing Countries: Brazil and the USA are the main planters of oranges, while clementines are grown in Algeria, Tunisia, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Greece, Italy, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, and Turkey.
– Hybridization: Oranges are a hybrid variety of pomelo and mandarin, while clementines are a hybrid between a Mediterranean citrus and a sweet orange.
– Seed Content: Oranges contain seeds, while clementines are seedless.
– Taste: Oranges have a sweet flavor, while clementines have a tart, tangy, and sweet flavor.
– Vitamin A Content: Oranges contain significantly more vitamin A than clementines.
– Varieties: Valencia orange, Hamlin cultivar, Belladonna, Cadanera, and Cherry Orange are varieties of oranges, while Spanish clementine and Nadorcott are varieties of clementines.
– Uses: Oranges are used for fresh juice, frozen juice concentrate, canning, marmalade, and fruit salad preparation, while clementines are mainly used as a snack or fruit after a main meal.
– Cultural Significance: Oranges are considered traditional symbols of abundance and good fortune during the Chinese New Year, while clementines have a huge demand during the Christmas season.
– Alternative Names: Oranges are known as Tango, Sweet oranges, Chinese apples, and Naranjito, while clementines are known as Moroccan clementine, seedless tangerines, Christmas oranges, Thanksgiving Orange, and Cantra in India.
