We think blood oranges got the short end of the stick in the naming department.
Hearing the name blood orange may make you a bit hesitant to try out this fruit, even though it is juicy, delicious, and full of nutrients! (Imagine a usual generic orange on overdrive).
When you cut open the fruit, it is obvious where the name came from. The color inside is more similar to a raspberry or cranberry than to an orange. They taste very similar to oranges but are a bit more bitter, and sometimes sweeter than what you’re used to with the ordinary fruit. Switching things up by using blood oranges is a great way to add a little extra kick of flavor to your normal routine.
The intriguing color of a blood orange comes from a pigment called anthocyanin that makes the fruit reddish. Anthocyanin is also in cherries and eggplants, and is an antioxidant that your body can use to repair damaged cells and boost the immune system. Oranges also have high amounts of vitamin C, potassium, calcium and iron. They even can help to prevent bad cholesterol from building up in your body and this lowers the risk of heart disease.
Now that you have learned about all of the benefits of this fruit, how will you use them? Lucky for us, they are in season during the winter, making them easy to find. Blood oranges can be eaten freshly peeled, used in your favorite drinks, and cooked as a star ingredient in your favorite dishes.
Here are some recipes to get you started! orange you excited?
- Get cocktail hour started with these blood orange margaritas. (via White on Rice Couple)
- Start a meal with a fennel, beet and blood orange salad. (via Brooklyn Supper)
- Serve up a simple but delicious dish of seared scallops with blood orange salsa. (via Confections of a Foodie Bride)
- Test your inner pastry chef with this flaky blood orange tart. (via Smitten Kitchen)
- Blow your guests away by making your own blood orange sorbet. (via David Lebovitz)
Which recipe are you the most excited to try out? How else do you use Blood Oranges? Share below!
photo credit: Derek Purdy via photopin cc
I saw some of these at the farmer’s market the other day! Competely drool worthy! Spring is near!
They are actually a winter citrus but definitely bring some brightness to the winter hum-drum. Yay!
Wow, clearly I read so well considering it’s written right there that they’re a winter fruit, lol! But I just think of citrus as spring time, lol!
Oooh, I love blood oranges. More than I like regular ones, actually. I know most people are happy for the produce that comes with summer, but for me it is the winter produce (citrus, pomegranates, root veggies and greens) that I favor!