Sunkist markets many different tangerine varieties from November through April. Also referred to as mandarins, tangerines are increasingly sold using their varietal name, such as Fairchild and Dancy. If your produce person doesn't call your favorite tangerine by its "real name," look for it on the Sunkist sticker!

Easy? Sweet!
Compared to oranges, tangerines tend to be smaller in size, and have a looser peel. These characteristics make them ideal as snacking fruit, for children to eat and for all of us with on-the-go schedules.

Minneola tangelos, one of the most plentiful and popular tangerine varieties, are easily identified by their characteristic knob-like formation at the stem end.

Hey! What's That??
There are three major types of tangerines from the Western growing areas: Tangerines, Mandarins and Tangelos:

Tangerines - available around late November, sometimes sold with stems and leaves attached. These include the Fairchild and Dancy varieties.

Mandarins - have a light orange colour and a complex, sweet flavour. The Satsuma, Honey and Royal are the three major Mandarin varieties.

Tangelos - a cross between a grapefruit and a tangerine. They are noted for their juiciness and mild, sweet flavour. Orlandos and Minneolas are popular Tangelo varieties.

Tangerine Tips

• Freshly grated tangerine peel lends an exotic flavour to other foods. Because the peel of most varieties is loose, use less pressure when grating.
• When using whole tangerine segments in salads, desserts and other dishes, remove any seeds by snipping the center of the segment and gently squeezing.
• Add tangerine segments to coleslaw or tuna salad for an unexpected, delicious and colourful treat!