Blood orange trees grow best in warm, temperate climates (from December to April). These oranges are easy to peel, have fewer seeds, and taste sweeter than raspberry oranges. You can eat them raw or prepare their juice or add them to baked goods, cocktails, salads, or other dishes that call for oranges. Blood oranges are available in many varieties, and each variant is known for its unique taste, texture, and nutritional value. Continue reading to explore the types of blood oranges.
Varieties Of Blood Orange
The three main types of blood oranges include Tarocco, Sanguinello, and Moro while the less common ones are Maltese, Khanpur, Washington Sanguine, Ruby Blood, Sanguina Doble Fina, and Delfino.
Moro
Moro is the most vibrant blood orange, with a deep red flesh and bright red rind. It is described as a “deep blood orange”, whose flesh ranges from orange-veined ruby to vermillion, deep crimson, and to nearly black. These oranges are milder in flavor and have a strong aroma. Moro has a more bitter taste than Tarocco or Sanguinello and is said to have originated around Lentini in the 19th century.
Tarocco
It is called “the half-blood” variety as the red pigmentation on the flesh is visible. It is less popular than the other two varieties and is grown mostly around Mount Etna. Tarocco oranges are sweet and juicy, and have the highest vitamin C concentration. Also, they have thin orange skin blushed with red and contain no seeds.
Sanguinello
Sanguinello (also called Sanguinelli in the US) is a type discovered in Spain in 1929. It has fewer seeds, and its flesh is sweet and tender. The fruit matures in winter but remains on trees until April if grown in the Northern Hemisphere. It may continue to ripen until the end of May. Its yellow skin is compact and has a clear color with a red tint while the flesh is orange with multiple red streaks. All these types contain fewer calories but are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional profile of blood oranges.
Nutrition Facts Of Blood Orange
A serving (100 grams) of blood orange contains (1): Consuming nutrient-rich blood oranges is associated with many health benefits. Let us discover them in the following section.
Health Benefits Of Blood Orange
1. May Inhibit Fat Accumulation
Blood oranges may help with weight loss as they are low in calories and high in fiber. They also have anti-adipogenic and antioxidant properties (2). The intake of Moro juice for 12 weeks was found to reduce weight gain and fat accumulation in mice. This was regardless of an increase in energy levels due to its high sugar content. These mice were also resistant to high-fat-diet-induced obesity. Studies suggest that multiple components, including anthocyanin, in the Moro juice may be responsible for these beneficial effects (3).
2. May Boost Immunity
Blood orange contains a significant amount of vitamin C, which has immunostimulant properties. This vitamin helps prevent cell damage by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation (4). Besides, vitamin C supplementation was found to improve white blood cell production and boost killer cell activities. These functions help strengthen the immune system (5). According to a study, micronutrients (like vitamin C and folate) and other bioactive compounds in citrus fruit juices have established roles in supporting immune responses (6).
3. May Reduce The Risk Of Cancer
Holly Klamer, MS, RDN, says, “Blood oranges are a good source of antioxidants, including vitamin C and anthocyanins. Antioxidants work to protect cells from damage from carcinogens, UV rays, pollutants, and other harmful substances.” Caffeic acid, ferulic acid, anthocyanins, and chrysanthemins found in blood oranges also demonstrate strong antioxidant and cancer-protective effects. Besides, these oranges were also shown to be cytoprotective (protecting the cells from harmful agents). These properties, in turn, may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer (7).
4. May Reduce The Risk Of CVD
A study showed that drinking 500 ml of commercial red orange juice reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels (8). Besides, supplementing vitamin C (500 mg/d)for four weeks was shown to decrease LDL and triglyceride levels (9). This way, the improved lipid profile may help reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. A study also found that dietary vitamin C intake is linked with a reduced risk of stroke (10). High potassium content in blood oranges may also help manage high blood pressure, which is a major cause of CVD, stroke, and coronary heart disease (7).
5. May Reduce The Risk Of Diabetes
Flavonoids are the main bioactive compounds in citrus fruits with multiple beneficial effects. They also have anti-diabetic properties. They regulate biomarkers associated with glycemic control, lipid profiles, renal function, hepatic enzymes, and antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, citrus flavonoids also modulate signaling pathways related to glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity (11). Hence, these flavonoids are considered promising anti-diabetic candidates.
6. May Promote Skin Health
In a study, intake of a red orange extract was found to increase antioxidant skin defenses and prevent photodamage. As stated, blood oranges are also rich in vitamin C, which provides antioxidant protection against UV-induced photodamage (12). Moreover, oranges contain beta-cryptoxanthin, which gets converted into vitamin A in the body. This vitamin is known for its anti-wrinkle and anti-aging effects (13). You can try various delicacies with blood oranges to reap their health benefits. We have listed three simple blood orange recipes in the following section. Keep reading.
Blood Orange Recipes
1. Blood Orange Salad
What You Need
Blood oranges: 2 Extra virgin olive oil: ¼ cup White wine vinegar: 2 tablespoons Honey: 2 teaspoons Kosher salt: ¾ teaspoon Black pepper: ¾ teaspoon Fennel bulb: 1 small (cored and thinly sliced) Chopped toasted hazelnuts: ⅓cup Torn fresh mint: ¼ cup Curly endive leaves: ¼ cup Radicchio: ¼ cup (chopped) Shallot: 1 small (thinly sliced) Hazelnuts: ¼ cup
Method
2. Blood Orange Cake
What You Need For Blood Orange Puree
Medium blood oranges: 3(sliced into ¼” rounds) Water: 2 cups
For cake
Blood orange puree: 2 cups Butter (melted): ½ cup Egg: 1 (lightly beaten) All-purpose flour: 1½ cups Granulated sugar: 1 cup Baking powder: 1 tablespoon Salt: ½ tablespoon
For glaze
Blood orange juice: 250 ml Confectioner’s sugar: 1 cup
Method
3. Blood Orange Chicken
What You Need
Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves: 4 Blood oranges: 2 (to squeeze over chicken) Blood oranges: 3 (juiced) Olive oil: 3 tablespoons Butter: 1 tablespoon Onion: ½ (minced) Garlic cloves: 3 (chopped)Chicken stock: ¾ cup Dry white wine: 3 tablespoons Fresh parsley: 1 teaspoon (chopped) Honey: 1 tablespoon Salt (to taste) Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Method The delicious taste of these sweet and savory dishes can only be enjoyed if cooked with fresh blood oranges. However, getting fresh blood oranges may not be easy all the time. But storing them right can keep them fresh for long. Here are a few tips.
How To Store Blood Oranges
Whole Blood Oranges
Refrigerate or leave them on the counter (which is clean and dry) for a few days. Wrap them in a paper towel if you are refrigerating them.
Cut halves
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a week.
Segments
Refrigerate for four days in an airtight bag or container.
Zest
Spread the zest out on a tray to quickly freeze it. Transfer it to a sealed container once frozen and freeze for three months.
Juice
Refrigerate for three days in a sealed container. Freezing works best if you use ice cube trays and store them in airtight containers. Is blood orange a superfood? Yes. Blood oranges are a powerhouse of nutrition. They contain antioxidants, fiber, and potassium and help improve your health in many ways. Is blood orange good for hair? Yes. The presence of antioxidants in blood oranges may help fight against free radicals, preventing hair follicle damage and promoting hair growth. Is blood orange grapefruit? No. Both are different fruits. Blood oranges are a type of orange, while grapefruit is a hybrid of pomelo and oranges.
