Blood oranges are a variety of orange with a striking deep red color inside. Their unique color comes from the presence of anthocyanins, antioxidant pigments that are also found in berries. But what about their taste? Blood oranges have a distinct flavor profile that sets them apart from more common orange varieties.
The taste of blood oranges
The most noticeable characteristic of blood oranges is their sweet-tart flavor. They have a higher sugar content than regular oranges, giving them a sweeter taste. But they also have a noticeable tartness and slight raspberry undertones. This makes for a complex, balanced flavor.
Here are some of the defining characteristics of the blood orange taste:
Sweet and tart
The sweetness of blood oranges balances beautifully with their natural acidity. The result is a taste that satisfies a craving for something sweet but also stimulates and refreshes the palate.
Berry notes
Look beyond the citrus flavor and you may notice subtle berry-like qualities. This is due to the anthocyanins that give blood oranges their ruby color. The raspberry nuances complement the citrus notes nicely.
Low bitterness
While regular oranges can sometimes have a slight bitter edge to them, blood oranges tend toward the sweeter side. There is very little bitterness in a properly ripened blood orange.
Soft and juicy
Blood oranges have a smooth, soft flesh when ripe. The cells are not too tightly packed. This leads to an agreeably juicy texture when biting into a segment. The juice also has a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel.
Zesty finish
While the initial taste is sweet, blood oranges finish clean and zesty. This makes them satisfying without leaving your mouth feeling coated.
How blood oranges compare to naval oranges
To better understand the distinctive characteristics of blood oranges, it helps to compare them to regular navel oranges. Here are some of the key differences:
Sweeter taste
Blood oranges have a higher sugar content, making them taste noticeably sweeter than navels. The sweetness of blood oranges is usually described as almost berry-like.
More tartness
With their sweeter taste, blood oranges still retain a brisk tartness as well. This gives them a complex, nuanced flavor. Navels tend toward the sweeter side.
Different aroma
When you peel a blood orange, you’ll notice fruity, raspberry-like notes in the aroma. Navels have the bright, citrusy orange smell typical of oranges.
Ruby flesh
Of course the most obvious difference lies inside. The scarlet flesh and juice of blood oranges provide visual confirmation that you are eating something unique.
Fewer seeds
Blood oranges tend to be very seedless. You may find no seeds at all in a segment. Navels have significantly more seeds.
| Trait | Blood Orange | Navel Orange |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetness | Very sweet | Moderately sweet |
| Acidity | Tart, balanced | Low acidity |
| Aroma | Fruity, berry-like | Bright, typical orange |
| Flesh color | Deep ruby red | Orange |
| Seeds | Very few or none | Moderate amount |
How to incorporate blood oranges into food and drink
Now that you know what to expect from the taste, how do you make the most of blood oranges’ flavor? Their uniqueness can enhance both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some ways to use blood oranges creatively:
Fresh segments
The easiest way to enjoy blood oranges is eating them fresh. Peel off the skin and break the segments apart for a simple snack or garnish for desserts. Try adding fresh segments to green salads or cheese platters for a pop of color and balanced sweet-tart taste.
Juice
Blood orange juice provides vibrant flavor and color. Use it straight up or mix it into lemonade, sangria, or cocktails. Blood orange juice pairs especially well with tequila and vodka. For breakfast, use it to make a sweet citrus marinade for fruit or jazz up pancakes and crepes.
Jams and marmalade
Preserve the delicious taste of blood oranges by turning them into jams, chutneys, and marmalade. Blood orange jam makes a stellar filling for tarts, cakes, cookies, crepes, and thumbprint cookies. Marmalade is excellent paired with roast meats and poultry or as a glaze for ham.
Sorbets and ice cream
Icy blood orange desserts are absolutely stunning. Transform fresh juice and segments into refreshing sorbet. Or blend into homemade ice cream for a double dose of flavor. Blood orange pairs wonderfully with creamy desserts like panna cotta.
Salad dressings and vinaigrettes
Blood oranges are ideal for making salad dressings. Use the juice, zest, and slices of flesh in oil and vinegar-based dressings. They provide a tanginess that complements rich, fatty salad ingredients like avocado and cheese.
Seafood and poultry
The sweet-tart taste of blood oranges goes surprisingly well with savory fish and poultry dishes. Make a glaze for chicken or salmon by reducing blood orange juice. Or add segments to salads and ceviches for color and flavor.
Cocktails
Vibrant blood orange juice livens up all sorts of cocktails. Use it in place of standard orange juice in drinks. Or purée flesh and juice into a syrup to mix with liquor like Campari. Blood oranges pair wonderfully with prosecco for sparkling cocktails.
Where to find blood oranges
Blood oranges shine during winter. Look for them in stores during their peak season from December through April. Here’s where to find them:
Specialty grocery stores
Well-stocked grocers like Whole Foods often carry blood oranges when they are in season. You may find them in the regular citrus section or sometimes displayed separately.
Farmers markets
Farmers markets are an excellent place to taste different seasonal varieties of blood oranges. Ask about samples to experience the diverse range of flavors.
Online ordering
If you can’t find blood oranges locally, order them online when in season. Sites like Melissa’s Produce sell fresh blood oranges suitable for quick shipping.
International markets
Markets specializing in international foods often stock blood oranges, since they are popular in Mediterranean cuisine. Try your local Italian or Spanish market.
CSA boxes
Subscribing to a winter CSA box is a fun way to enjoy peak season blood oranges. Many community supported agriculture programs source from local blood orange orchards.
Blood orange varieties
There are several main types of blood oranges to try. The most common include:
Moro – The most colorful variety with a ruby red interior. It has a rich, sweet-tart taste.
Sanguinello – Smaller fruits with a bright red flesh. The flavor is honey-like and moderately sweet.
Tarocco – A popular Italian variety. Taroccos have a large size and rounded shape with blood-colored flesh. The taste is juicy and sweet.
Delfi – Originally from Spain, these are medium-sized blood oranges with a bright maroon interior. Delfis have a perfumed, bittersweet taste.
Maltese – Late-season blood oranges that originate from Italy. They are on the smaller side with a deep red color and rich, mildly acidic taste.
Part of the intrigue of blood oranges lies in comparing the different varieties. Their flavor profiles, sweetness, and acidity vary subtly between types.
Health benefits
Beyond their tempting color and flavor, blood oranges offer some great health benefits:
High in antioxidants
The anthocyanins that give blood oranges their ruby color are powerful antioxidants. These help combat free radicals that can damage cells in the body.
Anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory properties of blood oranges can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This may help lower risk of chronic diseases tied to inflammation.
Cardiovascular benefits
Some studies indicate the anthocyanins in blood oranges may help improve circulation and lower blood pressure. The potassium in them also helps support healthy blood pressure.
May inhibit cancer cell growth
Early research points to the potential for blood orange phytochemicals to inhibit growth of certain cancer cells, such as leukemia and colon cancer cells. More studies are needed to confirm effects.
Supports immunity
Blood oranges are packed with vitamin C, with a single fruit providing around 70% of the daily recommended amount. Vitamin C stimulates white blood cells and acts as an antioxidant. This enhances immune function.
So in addition to their vibrant color and refreshingly complex taste, blood oranges deliver some great health benefits with each sweet-tart bite.
Conclusion
Blood oranges offer a taste that stands out from the average orange. Their intensely pigmented ruby flesh provides both luscious sweetness and zippy tartness in each bite. Subtle berry notes give depth to their citrus flavor. Blood oranges also add dramatic color and flavor when used in juices, cocktails, salads, desserts, and more. Sampling different varieties reveals their nuanced range of tastes. And blood oranges provide beneficial plant compounds that are good for you. Let their color captivate your eyes and their flavor delight your tastebuds. The next time you see blood oranges at the market, grab a few and experience their magic.