3 Popular Varieties of Tangerines

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Just about everyone knows tangerines as little oranges. The term tangerine doesn't refer to just one type of fruit that looks and tastes a certain way. It is an umbrella term for a number of different varieties.

Here are is some information about a few popular tangerines, what distinguishes them from other varieties, and some different ways to enjoy them.

Honey tangelos are among the most popular tangerine varieties because they're the sweetest. The juice from honey tangerines is great for use in salad dressings, particularly vinaigrette dressings, because it provides the perfect complement to a strong flavor of vinegar.

Though they contain more seeds than other tangerine varieties and have a tougher, thicker skin, most consider any extra effort needed to peel and eat a honey tangerine well worth it when they experience how sweet it is.

Satsumas, on the other hand, are characterized by their loose skin, and are very easy to peel and eat. Usually seedless, they are slightly tart but are still good for cooking. Most prevalent during the winter months, satsumas are excellent for use in cooking fish or fowl, and are great for decorating a cake or pie. Many like to eat them with ice cream, but they're just as good on their own when you want a simple dessert. A satsuma is identified by its dark orange or, in some cases, red color.

Another very popular tangerine variety is the clementine. Clementines are the smallest of all tangerines and, like satsumas, are great additions to a number of desserts. Since they're almost always seedless and easy to separate into sections, they're also good in fruit salads or for placing along the rim of a cocktail. Kids like clementines because theyÕre just the right size for snacking, and they're not nearly as much of a chore to peel as larger oranges.

Originating in present-day Algeria, clementine tangerines are grown in Florida and California. They are in greatest abundance from October through December. Since they're sold during the same time of year, clementines may be used as a substitute for satsuma tangerines if you want to ensure that whatever you're cooking doesn't have any seeds in it.

It doesn't matter if you're cooking, having a snack, or trying to put together a nice fruit basket for the in-laws. These tangerine varieties are popular specifically because they offer a little something for everyone, whether its an afternoon snack or a culinary experiment.

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