We all know that during our house visits during Lunar New Year, we will definitely bring over Oranges as a symbol of good fortune to the visiting party.
But how many of us really know what are the differences between the oranges that could possibly be used to "拜年“ ?
In this article, we are going to summarise the the difference between 红美人 oranges and the widely known "芦柑“ so you have a better idea of what you're adding into your bag!
The difference between 芦柑 (Lu Gan) and 红美人橙 (Hong Mei Ren oranges) mainly lies in their variety, appearance, taste, and origin. Here’s a detailed comparison:
1. Variety and Species:
芦柑 (Lu Gan):Lu Gan is a variety of citrus fruit belonging to the Citrus reticulata species, typically known for its sweet and refreshing flavor with a slightly less acidic taste. It's sometimes referred to as a type of "seedless tangerine" or "citrus hybrid" and is closely related to mandarins.
红美人橙 (Hong Mei Ren oranges):
Hong Mei Ren is a variety of navel orange (Citrus sinensis), a type of sweet orange. The "red" in its name refers to the color of the fruit's flesh, which has a deeper, reddish hue compared to other navel oranges. This variety is known for its sweet, juicy, and slightly tangy flavor with an appealing fragrance.
2. Appearance:
芦柑 (Lu Gan):Lu Gan generally has a slightly flattened round shape with a bumpy, textured skin. The skin is not as smooth as regular oranges and has a dull finish, with noticeable bumps or pores. It typically has a light orange or yellowish-orange color.
红美人橙 (Hong Mei Ren oranges):
Hong Mei Ren oranges have a more uniform, smooth, and glossy skin. The peel is usually a vibrant orange, and the fruit's flesh inside is characterized by a redder tone compared to regular navel oranges, giving it a distinct visual appeal.
3. Taste:
芦柑 (Lu Gan):Lu Gan is known for its mild, sweet taste with a lower acidity. It is refreshing and less tangy, making it ideal for those who prefer a smooth, mellow citrus flavor. The flesh is easy to separate into segments, and it is generally less fibrous.
红美人橙 (Hong Mei Ren oranges):
Hong Mei Ren oranges are very sweet, with a balanced tangy-sweet flavor profile. They are less acidic compared to traditional oranges, but the sweetness is more pronounced. The flesh is juicy, and the aroma is stronger, making them quite aromatic when peeled.
4. Texture:
芦柑 (Lu Gan):Lu Gan tends to have a slightly firmer texture and is less juicy compared to some other citrus fruits. It has fewer seeds and is often preferred for its easy-to-peel nature.
红美人橙 (Hong Mei Ren oranges):
Hong Mei Ren oranges are known for their juicy, tender texture. The segments are easy to separate, and the flesh is plump and filled with juice, making them very refreshing to eat.
5. Origin and Cultivation:
芦柑 (Lu Gan):Lu Gan is primarily grown in Taiwan, southern Fujian, and parts of Guangdong. It is a local specialty in these areas, and its cultivation is limited to specific regions in China.
红美人橙 (Hong Mei Ren oranges):
Hong Mei Ren oranges are a more widely cultivated variety in China, especially in areas with temperate climates like Hunan, Guangxi, and Sichuan. It is a popular variety of navel orange known for its distinctive taste and appearance.
6. Seasonality:
芦柑 (Lu Gan):The peak season for Lu Gan is typically around the winter months (from December to February), although it can be available earlier in some regions.
红美人橙 (Hong Mei Ren oranges):
Hong Mei Ren oranges are usually harvested in late winter to early spring, and they are often available from December to March, but the exact season may vary depending on the region.
7. Health Benefits:
Both fruits are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients. However:
芦柑 (Lu Gan):Often preferred for its cooling properties, meaning it is considered less likely to cause "heat" in the body (a traditional Chinese medicine concept), making it a good option for people who may be prone to sore throats or other heat-related conditions.
红美人橙 (Hong Mei Ren oranges):
Being a variety of navel orange, are also packed with vitamin C and fiber and are known for their benefits to skin health and immune function.
Summary of Key Differences:
| Feature | Lu Gan (芦柑) | Hong Mei Ren Orange (红美人橙) |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Citrus reticulata (Mandarin variety) | Citrus sinensis (Navel orange variety) |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, low acidity | Sweet, slightly tangy, very juicy |
| Appearance | Flattened, bumpy, less glossy skin | Smooth, glossy, vibrant orange skin |
| Texture | Firmer, less juicy, easy to peel | Juicy, tender, easy to separate segments |
| Origin | Taiwan, Fujian, Guangdong | Hunan, Guangxi, Sichuan, etc. |
| Season | Winter months (December to February) | Late winter to early spring |
| Health | Cooling (less likely to cause heat) | High in vitamin C, good for immune health |
Whether you prefer which oranges over the other, both fruits are delicious and nutritious, but they cater to different taste buds and preferences. If you prefer a sweet, less tangy fruit, you might go for 芦柑 (Lu Gan), while 红美人橙 (Hong Mei Ren oranges) are ideal if you love a juicy, tangy-sweet orange with a stronger fragrance and vibrant red flesh.
In summary, we feel that the price difference of the oranges is small, yet there is a significant difference in the juiciness and taste of the oranges, we will prefer the 红美人 over 芦柑 and the former we feel, has a higher "face value" when you're over at your friend's place for visitings :)
In Zen Zu Fu, we provide free delivery to your home upon minimum purchase for the oranges so you dont have to do the weight lift from supermarkets. Our oranges are restocked on a daily basis to ensure freshness and quality.
Order your oranges here!