Blood oranges have been around for hundreds of years, but recently it seems like they’re on everyone’s radar. These sweet tangy treats are so popular that people are getting extra creative with them, from color-popping margaritas to refreshing salads.
So, what are blood oranges? They’re a close cousin to navel oranges but are smaller and darker on the inside. Just like their cousins, blood oranges need to be grown in warm, temperate climates like California or Florida.
Want to see if blood oranges are really worth the hype? Read on and find out!
The blood orange has a complex flavor that’s reminiscent of navel oranges, but is more floral and tart. Blood oranges are generally sweeter and less acidic than regular oranges. Some people have compared the taste to that of a raspberry.
When are blood oranges in season?
Blood oranges typically grow on citrus fruit trees and are harvested between February to Early March. But when are they available? You’ll find this fruit in the store from October to March, but it depends on the type of blood orange.
There are two varieties that you’ll typically find in grocery stores: Moro and Tarocco. Morros are available from November to March, whereas Taroccos can be found anytime between January to May.
Health benefits of blood oranges
Consuming blood oranges comes with many health benefits. The anthocyanin present in the fruit helps reduce cardiovascular disease risk and has anti-cancer properties. Other antioxidants that blood oranges have are coumaric acid and hydroxycinnamic acid, found in most fruits and coffee.
Similar to navel oranges, they have a high amount of fiber going into nutrients. Most importantly, they provide lots of vitamins like vitamin C, B, and potassium.
What Are Blood Oranges And Their Health Benefits?
FAQ
Are blood oranges better for you than regular oranges?
Should you refrigerate blood oranges?
Are blood oranges good tasting?
Are blood oranges supposed to be juicy?
Are blood oranges better than navel oranges?
According to FruitStand, blood oranges are less acidic, and sometimes have a bit of a cranberry kick, while navel oranges are a little sweeter and easier to peel. So if you like complex, tart flavors, you might prefer the blood orange, but if you have a bit of a sweet tooth, reach for the navel variety.
At what time of the day can one eat an orange?
You can eat oranges at any time of the day. A good option is for breakfast, but it can also be eaten at lunch in a sweet or dessert dish. It can also be consumed at snack time.
What does a blood orange taste like?
The blood orange has a complex flavor that’s reminiscent of navel oranges, but is more floral and tart. Blood oranges are generally sweeter and less acidic than regular oranges. Some people have compared the taste to that of a raspberry. Lucky for us, blood oranges are as nutritious as they are delicious.
What does a navel orange taste like?
The navel orange, being the most common grocery store fruit in the orange family has a taste most of us are familiar with. Navel oranges are juicy yet bitter, more so than other oranges in the citrus family. A blood orange, by contrast, has a more tart and sweet flavor. The blood orange fruit is also considerably more juicy than the navel orange.