Why are Mandarin oranges called Mandarin oranges?

Mandarin oranges are common to much of southeast Asia, including China. The term "mandarin" came from the Portuguese traders' pronunciation of a Chinese word for "minister of state", whose robes were commonly a bright yellow-orange color. There is plenty to blame stupid, old white people for- but not this one. read more

Mandarin oranges are common to much of southeast Asia, including China. The term "mandarin" came from the Portuguese traders' pronunciation of a Chinese word for "minister of state", whose robes were commonly a bright yellow-orange color. read more

Mandarin was named after the oranges rather than the oranges being named after Mandarin. In 1830, prominent resident Calvin Reed changed the name of what was then the village of Monroe to Mandarin because the mandarin orange was a major crop in the area, according to Internet accounts. read more

Specifically reddish-orange mandarin cultivars can be marketed as tangerines, but this is not a botanical classification. Mandarins are smaller and oblate, rather than spherical like the common oranges (which are a mandarin hybrid). The taste is considered less sour, as well as sweeter and stronger. read more