Small Round Orange Things

Citrus season is on full tilt, and there are varieties of all sizes, colors and shapes passing through our facility each day. From hefty Chandler pummelos to bite-sized Meiwa kumquats, there’s a lot to explore!

There’s also an influx of what our resident Citrus Nerds refer to as “Small Round Orange Things.” A slight tongue in cheek reference to the numerous varieties of mandarins and tangerines abundant during this time of year and whose different attributes can be challenging to keep straight. Here’s a run-down of some of the varieties we’re seeing!

Tango Mandarin

An oblate variety, meaning it’s flat on top and bottom. Tango’s finely-textured skin helps identify them compared to other types that also boast a deep-orange color. Tangos are also seedless, easy-peel and super sweet, making them a phenomenal eater. 

Algerian Clementine

This pint-sized fruit is deep-orange like a Tango mandarin, but with skin that’s much more pebbled, helping to discern between the two. Super sweet, easy to peel, and mostly seedless make Algerian a fan-favorite. A great variety to sell pre-bagged!

Clementine

Similarly sized to Tango or Algerian, Clementine’s glossy skin is smooth and can present as a slightly less saturated hue of orange than the other two varieties. A few seeds, but easy-peeling and a balanced-sweet flavor. Clementines are a strong-producer and available now to build displays of loose or pre-bagged fruit!

Fremont Mandarin

Another oblate variety, look for Fremont's red-orange skin to tell them apart from a Tango! Shoppers will be happy to learn that this sweet, juicy variety has great shelf-life when properly stored, perfect for big grocery-hauls.

Lee Nova Cross Mandarin

Lee Nova Cross is often referred to as “Super Nova,” and considering their size compared to the other small round things, “Super” is a great way to remember this variety. Both high in sugar and acid, they’re also bursting with flavor, which has gained them their other nickname, “Sugar Bomb.”

Daisy Mandarin

While Daisy’s are at the end of their season, we sure did enjoy them and hope you did, too! Running from medium-to-large in size, Daisy is a cross of Fremont and Fortune mandarins. Look for their red-orange skin, a hue they’ve inherited from the Fremont! 

Help shoppers find their favorite “Small Round Orange Thing” this season by introducing these varieties and more! There’s a bounty of delicious options to choose from!