Clementines vs mandarins: how to tell them apart

By , agricultural technician · Azienda Agricola Salonna · Updated

The difference in short

The main difference is the seeds: clementines are almost always seedless, while mandarins have plenty. Clementines are also rounder, with smooth, glossy peel and a sweeter taste; mandarins are flatter, with bumpier peel and a stronger, slightly tart aroma.

  • Seeds: clementines almost always seedless, mandarins with many seeds.
  • Shape: clementines round, mandarins flattened at the ends.
  • Peel: clementines smooth, glossy and deep orange; mandarins bumpier and matte.
  • Taste: clementines sweet and mild; mandarins more aromatic and slightly tart.
  • Origin: the mandarin is an ancient species; the clementine is a cross between mandarin and sweet orange, only about a century old.

Looking for a citrus fruit you can simply peel and enjoy? Go for clementines: our seedless clementines are grown in the Sibari Plain and picked when you order.

How to tell clementines and mandarins apart

Outside: shape and peel

Mandarins are flattened at the ends and have a bumpier, matte peel that often comes away from the flesh. Clementines are rounder and firmer, with thin, smooth, glossy deep-orange peel that fits snugly around the segments.

Inside: seeds, segments and flesh

This is the most obvious difference. Mandarins contain many seeds, while clementines are almost always seedless: that is why they are children's favourite citrus and a perfect snack. Clementine segments separate easily and the flesh is very juicy.

Taste and aroma

Clementines taste sweet and balanced, with gentle acidity. Mandarins have a stronger, longer-lasting aroma and a bolder, sometimes slightly tart flavour: the classic scent of Christmas citrus.

Origin: where mandarins and clementines come from

The mandarin (Citrus reticulata) is one of the oldest citrus species and comes from China, where it has been grown for thousands of years. The clementine (Citrus × clementina) is much younger: a cross between mandarin and sweet orange, found in Algeria in the early twentieth century and attributed to Brother Clément Rodier, after whom it is named. Read the full story in our guide to clementines.

And what about "mandarancio"?

In many parts of Italy "mandarancio" is simply the popular name for the clementine: they are the same fruit. The name recalls its origin, halfway between mandarin and orange.

Clementines or mandarins: which to choose?

It depends on how you use them. For a quick snack, for kids or to take to work, clementines win: no seeds, peel that comes off in a moment and a sweet taste. Mandarins are ideal if you love intense aromas and for liqueurs, candied peel and Christmas desserts. For more ideas, see our citrus recipes.

How to store them

At room temperature, in a cool, dry place away from heat, they keep well for about a week. In the fridge, in the fruit drawer, they last longer: take them out a little before eating, as the flavour is fuller at room temperature.

Nutritional value

Clementines and mandarins are both a source of vitamin C, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Find out more in our article on vitamin C in citrus fruits.

AgrumiShop clementines

We grow clementines in the Sibari Plain and ship them straight from our citrus grove, with no middlemen. Choose a box of seedless clementines, the orange and clementine box or browse all our Calabrian citrus fruits.

About the author

Pietro Salonna · Agricultural technician

Pietro Salonna is an agricultural technician (perito agrario) and writes AgrumiShop's guides. He is the son of Andrea Salonna, farmer and owner of Azienda Agricola Salonna, which grows citrus fruit in Corigliano-Rossano, in the Sibari plain (Calabria): a family-run farm that has worked the land for three generations.