Where to Buy Blood Oranges
Blood oranges need a temperate climate with a hot season and cooler weather to bring out their true color. Thus, they flourish in the Mediterranean region, where they likely originated, and in parts of California and Florida. This is also whyblood oranges are harvested in winter. You're most likely to see them available for sale from December into April in the U.S., although depending on the weather in a given year, that season may extend for a month on either end.
Blood oranges are commonly available at farmers' markets in areas where they're grown or at specialty stores elsewhere. They are typically sold loose, and you can buy as many as you like. Because they are rarer than navel oranges, blood oranges aren't typically sold pre-bagged or in bulk.
As with all citrus, look for blood oranges that feel heavy for their size. While the ones with orange skin can be brilliantly red inside, and redder ones can have a limited amount of red color inside, if you have a choice, choose blood oranges with darker, redder skins for a flesh that's more likely to match the name.
In the right climate (USDA Zones 9-10), blood oranges can be grown at home. Some trees will thrive in larger containers, and they can be brought indoors in cooler temperatures. The plants need full sun, moist soil, and a warm climate outdoors with temperatures of 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit or a constant average indoor temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
FAQs
The difference between these two varieties of orange is that blood oranges have an antioxidant called anthocyanin. This antioxidant gives blood oranges their distinct color, but it also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Also, the blood orange is less tangy than a navel orange but has a floral tart taste.
Which is sweeter, cara cara or blood oranges? ›
Blood oranges can be mutations of navel or Valencia oranges, but Cara Caras are a variation of navel oranges exclusively. Both share a reputation for high-impact color and flavor. However, blood oranges are more widely used in sweet and savory recipes, while Cara Caras are used more on the sweet side.
Can you refrigerate blood oranges? ›
If you want to extend the life of blood oranges, opt for cold storage. Storing blood oranges in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator will add a couple of weeks to their shelf life.
Are blood oranges sweeter than regular oranges? ›
Sweeter than regular oranges, with a more floral flavour and slightly less acidity, blood oranges bring a hint of raspberry or strawberry, providing a refreshing lift to all sorts of sweet and savoury dishes.
Who can't eat blood oranges? ›
Blood oranges are also full of potassium. It's important to get enough potassium in your diet, but too much can cause problems for people who have been prescribed beta-blockers. These medications increase potassium levels as well, which can result in damage to your heart in excess.
How to tell if a blood orange is bad? ›
Mushy or soft spots: Your oranges should have some “give” to them. However, if you can easily push your thumb into it the orange, it has gone bad. Signs of mold: If you see white or green fuzzy spots, you have a bad orange. These are signs of mold and should not be eaten.
Can you eat a blood orange like a regular orange? ›
The fruit can be eaten as is, juiced, or used in baked goods, co*cktails, salads, or other dishes that call for oranges. Along with their lovely red color, blood oranges tend to have a noticeable and delicious raspberry edge to their flavor.
What is the closest orange to a blood orange? ›
Cara Cara Navel Oranges
They are extremely seasonal, and are a special winter treat; Cara Caras are at their peak sweetness in January and February. Cara Cara oranges are often mistaken for blood oranges, but they are not.
Should oranges be washed before refrigerating? ›
There's no need to wash your produce when you bring it home. In fact, washing produce immediately leads to creating an environment where bacteria can thrive and can shorten the shelf-life of your produce. Instead, store unwashed fruits and vegetables until you're ready to eat them.
What country produces the most blood oranges? ›
Blood oranges are mainly grown in Spain, Portugal and Italy where they are exported worldwide.
Blood orange
Anthocyanins are naturally found in oranges and are in high concentration in the blood oranges variety. Periods of cold storage, however, may raise the level of anthocyanins and when exposed to iron can cause discolouration. Anthocyanins are natural antioxidants and are known to be safe.
What are blood oranges called now? ›
The blood orange is a variety of orange with crimson, near blood-colored flesh. It is one of the sweet orange varieties (Citrus × sinensis). It is also known as the raspberry orange.
Are blood oranges anti-inflammatory? ›
Blood oranges. Courtesy, Ali Sarkhosh, UF/IFAS. The fruit is rich in anthocyanins, which have been linked to various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
What is the best flavor of blood oranges? ›
There are numerous varieties of blood oranges but Moro, Ruby, Sanguinello and Tarocco are the most widely-available. Moro are most popular in the United States. They're known for their bright orange skin and a flavor that is the perfect punchy blend of sweet and tart.
Is blood orange high in sugar? ›
Sugars: 21 g. Potassium: 11 percent of the Daily Value (DV) Vitamin C: 93 percent of the DV. Folate: 20 percent of the DV.
Are blood oranges good for weight loss? ›
Blood oranges may be a great addition to a healthy weight loss diet. Not only are blood oranges low in calories, they're also high in fiber, with 3 grams in each serving ( 2 ). Fiber passes through the digestive tract very slowly, helping you stay full longer by prolonging the digestion in your stomach ( 7 ).
Why are they called blood oranges? ›
The dark flesh color is due to the presence of anthocyanins, a family of polyphenol pigments common to many flowers and fruit, but uncommon in citrus fruits.
