The Best Time of Year to Buy Blood Oranges
The rind and flesh of a blood orange are more red than traditional oranges.
Blood oranges might sound unappetizing, but they earned that name because of the vivid red color of their flesh. The fruit is similar in taste and texture to a regular orange, but unlike traditional oranges, blood oranges aren't available year round. That's because they rely on certain kinds of weather to develop their red color. Get all the facts so you know when to hit your local grocery store for a blood orange or two.
Buying Blood Oranges
Blood oranges are in season from December through May, though the exact months vary depending on what type of blood orange you're buying. The Moro variety is available from December through March, while the Tarocco is available from January through May. Blood oranges are readily available during these winter and spring months because the climate where the fruit trees grow plays a role in the formation of the red hue, according to the National Gardening Association. The temperature is thought to play a part in the darkness of the red color and how pronounced it is, but the exact temperature requirements remain unknown, the National Gardening Association reports.
Anthocyanins
The red color of blood oranges is due to the presence of anthocyanins, which are compounds that give many other fruits and vegetables their red, blue or purple colors, as well. Harvesting blood oranges at the peak of freshness ensures the maximum amount of anthocyanins in the fruit. Waiting until the winter and spring ensures that the blood oranges will be as vividly hued as possible, and the darker the color, the more anthocyanins the fruit contains. Anthocyanins might help prevent cancer and heart disease, as well as treat eye disorders, according to a 2004 article published in the "Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology."
If you seek out blood oranges, you're doing something good for your health. Blood oranges are a rich source of fiber, a nutrient that helps prevent constipation. Fiber might also decrease your risk of health problems such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. The fruit also supplies a healthy dose of vitamin C, which can help protect you from infection. Blood oranges supply small doses of protein, as well as potassium for a normal heartbeat and folate, which can prevent birth defects.
Tips and Considerations
Buy blood oranges that are heavy for their size and that are firm to the touch. Pass on blood oranges that have soft or spongy spots on the rind. Store the fruit in the refrigerator and it'll last for about two weeks. When eating the fruit, don't peel off the white pith because it supplies a good amount of fiber. Add chopped blood oranges to fruit salad or juice the fruit as a colorful replacement to your usual fresh-squeezed orange juice. Dice blood oranges and add them to your favorite fruit salsa recipe as another way to incorporate them into your diet.
About the Author
Sara Ipatenco has taught writing, health and nutrition. She started writing in 2007 and has been published in Teaching Tolerance magazine. Ipatenco holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in education, both from the University of Denver.
Photo Credits
- Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
- Blood vs. Navel Oranges
- Losing Weight With Blood Oranges
- The Many Benefits of a Daily Grapefruit
- How to Extract Oil From the Skin of Oranges