Both are winter citrus favourites in India, but Kinnow is a mandarin and Malta is a sweet orange. They look and taste quite different.
Quick answer: Kinnow is a mandarin — juicy, tangy and easy to peel, with many seeds. Malta is a type of sweet orange — milder and sweeter, with thinner skin and fewer seeds. Both are winter fruits grown in North India.
How they differ
- Type: Kinnow is a mandarin; Malta is a sweet orange.
- Taste: Kinnow is tangier and juicier; Malta is milder and sweeter.
- Peeling: Kinnow peels easily by hand; Malta is firmer to peel.
- Seeds: Kinnow has many seeds; Malta has fewer.
- Use: Kinnow is loved for juice; Malta is often eaten fresh.
Which is better?
It depends on what you want. If you like a bright, juicy fruit that is great for juicing, choose Kinnow. If you prefer a gentle, sweet orange to eat in slices, choose Malta. In the Indian winter, both are fresh and affordable.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kinnow the same as Malta?
No. Kinnow is a mandarin, while Malta is a type of sweet orange. They differ in taste, skin and seeds.
Which is sweeter, Kinnow or Malta?
Malta is usually milder and sweeter, while Kinnow has a brighter, tangier flavour.
Which is better for juice?
Kinnow is preferred for juice because of its very high juice content.
Keep reading
Kinnow vs Orange: What's the Difference?
They look similar, but a Kinnow isn't an orange. The short version: Kinnow is a mandarin hybrid — juicier, more tart, more seeds, and higher in some nutrients.
When Is Kinnow Season? A Harvest Guide for India
Kinnow is a winter fruit. In India the harvest runs roughly December through February, and the fruit is at its sweetest from mid-January to mid-February.
