Blood Orange

What Is Blood Orange?

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 never found in other citrus fruits.

Since anthocyanin production is triggered by cool nights, the most deeply colored blood oranges grow in climates with hot days and cool nights, such as Italy's Sicily region. Its taste is less acidic than standard orange, with slight strawberry-grape notes.

Nutritional Values of Blood Orange

100 grams of blood orange contains approximately 50 kcal of energy; it is high in vitamin C and carries anthocyanin pigment not found in standard orange. Values vary by variety and are approximate.

How Should Blood Orange Be Consumed?

Blood orange is consumed as a fruit-group food alongside other food groups, as part of a balanced diet.

This information is general; blood orange is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Blood Orange?

A good blood orange has slightly reddish-orange patches on its peel and feels heavy in hand. Peel color alone is not an indicator of the interior color.

• It should feel heavy in hand (a sign of abundant juice)
• The peel should be firm-smooth, not soft-wrinkled
• The peel may have slight reddish patches, but this alone is not a guarantee

How Is Blood Orange Stored?

Blood orange stays fresh at room temperature for a few days and in the refrigerator for a few weeks; it is stored the same way as standard orange.

Using Blood Orange in the Kitchen

Blood orange is used most often 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 orange and standard orange?

They are the same species, but blood orange produces anthocyanin pigment, turning its flesh red-purple with a slight strawberry-grape note; standard orange does not produce this pigment.

Is the interior of blood orange always red?

No; color intensity depends on climate, and blood oranges grown in warmer regions may sometimes have only slightly reddish veining inside.

Is blood orange available in Turkey?

It is grown and sold in limited quantities; it can be found in winter at some greengrocers and markets.