What goes with blood orange? Learn the best ingredient pairings, meal ideas, and helpful tips on buying, storing, preparing, and availability.
What's A Blood Orange?
Blood orange is a variety of orange that is smaller in size, more aromatic in flavor, and has 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.
Helpful Tips
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.
When to Buy
Blood oranges are in season from 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 pick oranges that look and smell sweet.
Storage
Store on the counter for up to one week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If cut open, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Store blood orange juice in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in an ice cube tray in the freezer for even 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, and pomegranates.
Herbs
Mint.
Spices
Cinnamon and cloves.
Non-dairy/dairy
Caramel and cashew cream.
Pantry Items
Champagne, chocolate (white), honey, sugar (brown), and vanilla.
What To Make With Blood Orange
Blood oranges are a common ingredient in baked goods, cocktails, salads, and desserts. If you love blood oranges, try making our blood orange curd or blood orange marinaded steak fajitas.
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