What Goes Well With Blood Orange?

What goes with blood orange? Learn the best ingredient pairings, meal ideas, and helpful tips on buying, storing, preparing, and availability.

First things first.

What Is A Blood Orange?

Blood orange is a variety of orange that is smaller in size, more aromatic in flavor, and flesh that ranges in color from ruby pink to blood-red, hence the name. The skin is thick and ranges in colors from orange to deep purple/red.

The red hue is caused by anthocyanins, which are pigments that develop as the fruit develops with low temperatures during the night.

The pigments begin accumulating in the juice vesicles at the edges of the segments near the peel and continue accumulating in cold storage once harvested. This is why some flesh has swirls, streaks, or full shades of dark red.

Taste

The flavor of a blood orange is sweet, tangy, and tart similar to an orange mixed with a raspberry, which is also why it’s sometimes referred to as raspberry orange.

Helpful Tips

WHEN TO BUY

Blood oranges are in season winter through late spring. Peep the seasonal produce guide to see what else is in season right now.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Look for blood oranges that are heavy for their size, which indicates juiciness. Like all citrus fruits, blood oranges don’t ripen after they’re harvested from the tree, so you’ll want ones that look and smell ripe. 

STORAGE

Store them on the counter for up to one week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If cut, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.

Blood orange juice can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in an ice cube tray in the freezer for much longer.

HOW TO PREPARE

Blood oranges can be juiced, broiled, used in baked goods, or eaten raw.

What Ingredients Go With Blood Orange?

FRUIT

• grapefruit
• kumquats
• lemon
• pomegranates

HERBS

• mint

SPICES

• cinnamon, cloves

NON-DAIRY/DAIRY

• caramel, cashew cream

PANTRY ITEMS

• champagne, chocolate (white)
• honey
• sugar (brown)
• vanilla

Recipe Ideas

Blood oranges are a common ingredient in baked goods, cocktails, salads, and desserts.

What To Make With Blood Orange

• Blood Orange Curd (Dairy-Free)
• Blood Orange Marinaded Steak Fajitas
• Drinks such as margaritas
• Salad dressings

More Ingredient Pairings

• Sweet Potatoes
• Cauliflower
• Artichokes