Blood Orange
Citrus sinensisAn orange variety whose flesh turns dark red-purple, carrying sweet, lightly strawberry-grape notes. The color comes from anthocyanin pigment in the fruit and becomes most pronounced in climates with cold nights and warm days.
What Is a Blood Orange?
A blood orange is an orange variety whose flesh turns dark red-purple. This characteristic color comes from the fruit producing anthocyanin pigment, which is almost absent from other citrus fruits.
Because anthocyanin production is triggered by cold nights, the most intensely colored blood oranges grow in climates with warm days and cool nights, such as Sicily, Italy. Their taste is less acidic than that of standard oranges, with mild strawberry and grape notes.
Nutritional Values of Blood Oranges
100 g of blood orange contains approximately 50 kcal of energy. It provides a high amount of vitamin C and contains anthocyanin pigment, which is absent from standard oranges. Values vary by variety and are approximate.
How Should Blood Oranges Be Eaten?
Blood oranges are eaten as part of a balanced diet, as a fruit-group food alongside foods from other groups.
This information is general; blood oranges are a food and are not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Blood Oranges
A good blood orange feels relatively heavy in the hand and usually has slight reddish-orange patches on its peel. Peel color alone does not indicate the color inside.
- It should feel relatively heavy in the hand (a sign of abundant juice)
- The peel should be firm and smooth, not soft or wrinkled
- The peel may have slight reddish patches, but these alone are no guarantee
How to Store Blood Oranges
Blood oranges stay fresh for a few days at room temperature and a few weeks in the refrigerator; store them the same way as standard oranges.
Using Blood Oranges in the Kitchen
Blood oranges are most often used in freshly squeezed juice, in salads for visual contrast, and in desserts such as sorbet and marmalade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between blood oranges and standard oranges?
They are the same species, but blood oranges produce anthocyanin pigment, which turns their flesh red-purple and gives them mild strawberry and grape notes; standard oranges do not produce this pigment.
Is the inside of a blood orange always red?
No. Color intensity depends on the climate; blood oranges grown in warm regions may sometimes have only slightly reddish veins inside.
Are blood oranges available in Türkiye?
They are grown and sold in limited quantities; in winter, they may be available at some greengrocers and grocery stores.