Citrus fruits are extremely healthy, and clementines are actually the most delicious citrus fruits. These are smaller and are known for their bright color and smooth skin. In addition, they have a sweet flavor and look like oranges. The best thing about clementines is that they are easy to peel and are available between November and February. All in all, they aren’t very tarty and have the perfect sweetness level, which is why they are everyone’s favorite. On the other hand, if you are unable to get your hands on clementines, let’s check out some substitutes!
Substitutes For Clementines
- Oranges
The oranges are the most popular citrus fruits and can be used in place of clementines. The oranges have an abundance of beta-carotene, which gives them the orange color. In addition, the oranges have a high vitamin C content as well as soluble fiber, making them a delicious yet healthy snack. Having said that, you can use oranges when your recipe calls for clementines. Many people make the mistake of using orange juice, but it doesn’t add the authentic flavor as there are various additives in canned juices.
- Satsumas
It is actually a common variety of mandarin oranges and is native to Japan. It is usually bigger than clementines, and it’s one of the juiciest fruits out there. In addition, it’s the sweet citrus fruit, which is why it helps replicate the sweet flavor of clementines. It is extremely convenient to peel and doesn’t have any seeds, which is why it’s perfect for snacking. However, its skin is oily and leathery, which makes it easy to identify. The skin can be thin and fragile, which is why it has to be stored carefully.
- Tangerines
The tangerines are extremely similar to oranges as well as clementines. It has thin skin, which promises easier peeling. It has a rounder and smaller appearance with a sweet flavor. It is native to Tangier, Morocco, and is easily confused with mandarins – they are the subspecies of mandarins. They are easy to differentiate as the skin is different. In particular, the skin is darker and has a more red appearance.
- Sweet Lime
Sweet lime is a well-known member of the citrus family and is native to some parts of the Mediterranean and Iran. It is extremely small when compared to other citrus fruits and is grown on a tree. The sweet lime turns orange and green when it’s fully ripened. In most cases, it is consumed in the form of juice, which is sweet but milk. However, if it comes in contact with air, it will become bitter, which is why it should be consumed as soon as possible. It is not very acidic and is easily available. Many people don’t know this, but it tastes amazing with vodka.
- Tangelos
As the name suggests, this is a hybrid of mandarin or tangerine and grapefruit or pomelo. It has a small bud on the top, particularly where it’s connected to the stem (this is the primary reason it’s called honeybell by some people). It is also called minneola but doesn’t have much flesh. However, tangelos still have enough juice, and the flavor is tarty and tangy as compared to other citrus fruits. For the most part, it’s available in the US, but it’s available in a limited quantity because these trees bear a low yield.
- Pomelo
Another substitute for clementines is pomelo, and it’s actually the biggest citrus fruit out there. It’s one of the most delicious non-hybrid fruits out there and is native to Asia. It’s a common part of Chinese celebrations. It tastes like grapefruit, but the flavor profile is sweeter. The membranes are extremely bitter, but the rinds can be candied. All in all, if you want to eat pomelo, it’s recommended that you consume them with grapefruit juice or sugar.
- Chinottos
If you want to substitute clementines in drinks, you can opt for Chinottos because they cannot be consumed for the flesh directly. This citrus fruit is commonly available in Libya, Malta, Italy, and France. It tastes amazing with cola but doesn’t have a very sugary flavor. In particular, it has a bittersweet flavor and is easily available in every part of the world.