All About Blood Oranges: Facts and Recipes with Blood Orange

Cooking seasonally is one of my absolute favorite ways to stay inspired year-round. Not only is it more flavorful, but it keeps things exciting! In this post, you’ll learn a bit more about what blood oranges are, how to use them, and when they’re available throughout the year! I’m also sharing my favorite blood orange recipes to make using the fruits!

These oranges get their name from the deep maroon coloring that is present in certain varieties. While there is a bit of debate about where exactly these oranges first popped up, they grow natively in Mediterranean regions like Italy and Spain.

I grew up asking my Calabrian grandmother everything I could about Italian culture, and Italy’s love of citrus fruits was always a topic of conversation! These super special oranges have a deep-rooted history in Southern Italy, specifically in Sicily, where they were once reserved for royalty and are a geographically protected fruit! Nowadays, Sicilian blood oranges are also cultivated in California, Florida, and Arizona, but they remain one of the most popular exports of Italy!

🍊 types of blood oranges

There are over 20 types of blood orange varieties in the world, but certain varieties are more popular than others. The three most commonly found varieties are:

• Moro – these are the most prominent blood oranges in the United States, and they are also the deepest red in color. Their skin is orange in color, but there is often a spray of red across the outer skin, hinting at what’s inside! They have a sweet-tart flavor and they make a stunning dark red fresh citrus juice.
• Tarocco – this variety of orange is commonly grown in California. It isn’t as deep red in color, in fact sometimes there is little to no red in the skin or flesh of the oranges at all! But the taste of these oranges is much sweeter than the other varieties.
• Sanguinello – the Sanguinello variety is a sort of mix between the Moro and Tarocco, with some streaking of red and orange in the flesh and a delicate sweet-tart flavor. If you have a blood orange that looks like a red-orange firework when sliced, chances are it’s a Sanguinello!

👅 flavor of blood oranges

These vibrant oranges have a sweet-tart taste, similar to raspberries, which is why they are sometimes called raspberry oranges. The definite notes of classic orange citrus are present, but they also have a sharp tart, almost pomegranate or cherry-like flavor, too. Some oranges are sweeter while others are more tart, depending on the variety.

🛒 when are blood oranges in season, and where can you buy them?

While fresh citrus is usually associated with summer, citrus season actually peaks in winter months. Be on the lookout for fresh blood oranges at your local grocery store as early in winter as December, and keep an eye out throughout the mid-spring month of April. Be sure to check your local farmer’s markets too, especially if you live in or near a state that grows citrus! Of course, if you can’t find these super seasonal oranges locally, you can order them online direct from farmers!

🫙 how to store your fresh citrus

Citrus has a longer shelf life than other more delicate fruits, but be sure to store your fruits properly to preserve the best flavor. If you plan to eat or use your oranges quickly, you can store them at room temperature for up to 5 days. Otherwise, stash them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Make sure to allow some space for air to circulate the fruits so they stay firm and juicy without getting too damp. Watch out for any overly soft or mushy fruits— that’s a definite sign of spoilage.