Enjoy Blood Oranges While They're In Season

Last updated on July 2nd, 2023 at 08:48 am

Blood orange is a red-orange variety with dark red flesh. Compared to regular oranges, they taste less acidic, are slightly sweeter, and have hints of raspberry or strawberry.

Blood Oranges in Season

Blood oranges are in season in winter and early spring, from about December through April. They thrive in Mediterranean climates, so they are mostly grown in California, Italy, Greece, and Spain.

Blood orange is a citrus fruit that looks similar to orange from the outside but has deep red-colored fruit and juice. The red color is the result of anthocyanin, which develops when these citrus fruits ripen during warm days tempered with cooler nights.

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Anthocyanin, the same chemical that makes blueberries blue and cranberries red, gives the flesh its characteristic bloody color, which can range from pale scarlet to deep magenta, depending on the variety and stage of maturation.

The Health Benefits of Blood Oranges: 8 Reasons to Add Them to Your Diet

This powerful antioxidant mops up cancer-causing free radicals in the body. Since the most brightly colored foods are also the ones packed with the most cancer-fighting antioxidants, blood oranges are a powerhouse of nutrition. At only 70 calories per fruit, they are a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.

Blood oranges are sweeter than other oranges. Their juice is delicious, but because it is quite a bit sweeter than classic orange juice, it ferments quickly and should be used or drunk the same day it's juiced. Blood oranges are not only visually striking with their deep red flesh but also pack a wealth of health benefits. Here are eight compelling reasons to incorporate them into your diet:

Rich in Antioxidants

Blood oranges are loaded with antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which give them their vibrant red color. These compounds help fight free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

Boosts Immune System

High in vitamin C, blood oranges can significantly boost the immune system. Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and diseases.

Improves Heart Health

The fiber, potassium, and choline content in blood oranges support heart health. Potassium helps manage blood pressure, reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease. Additionally, the flavonoids in blood oranges may help reduce cholesterol levels.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The choline in blood oranges assists in maintaining the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the absorption of fat, and reduces chronic inflammation. This can help prevent conditions such as arthritis and maintain overall joint health.

Supports Digestive Health

Being a good source of fiber, blood oranges help prevent constipation and promote a healthy digestive system. Fiber adds bulk to stools, supports regular bowel movements, and can improve overall gut health.

Aids Weight Loss

Low in calories but high in fiber, blood oranges can be a satisfying snack that aids in weight management. The fiber content helps you feel full longer, reducing overall calorie intake and aiding in weight loss efforts.

Promotes Healthy Skin

The vitamin C in blood oranges is crucial for the production of collagen, a protein that helps keep the skin firm and healthy. Antioxidants in blood oranges can also protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays and pollution.

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

The fiber in blood oranges can help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This makes them a beneficial fruit for those managing diabetes or at risk of developing the condition.

Incorporating blood oranges into your diet is easy. Enjoy them fresh as a snack, add them to salads for a burst of color and flavor, or squeeze them into a refreshing juice. With their unique taste and health benefits, blood oranges are a delicious way to boost your nutritional intake.

4 Mouthwatering Recipes to Make with Blood Oranges

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Fennel and blood orange tortilla pizza

Ingredients

• 1 tortilla wrap
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 clove of garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely shredded
• 1/4 cup fennel, thinly sliced
• a small handful of radish and carrot matchsticks
• 1 small blood orange, sliced
• a handful of fresh cilantro, fennel, and micro basil leaves
• 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional)
• 1 tbsp black sesame seeds, crushed (optional)
• drizzle extra virgin olive oil, to finish

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375.
• Drizzle olive oil on a tortilla wrap, and lay down garlic slices and fennel. Season with salt and pepper.
• Bake in the oven until golden brown, and the sides just begin to curl for about 12-14 minutes.
• Remove from oven and immediately scatter parmesan cheese on top.
• Top with thinly sliced blood orange, carrot, radish matchsticks, pomegranate seeds, crushed black sesame seeds, and fresh herbs. Drizzle with a little olive oil to finish. Slice into wedges and serve immediately.

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 blood oranges
• 1 bulb of fennel, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A handful of arugula or mixed greens
• A sprinkle of fennel fronds
• Optional: goat cheese or shaved parmesan

Instructions:

• Peel the blood oranges and slice them into rounds.In a salad bowl, combine the sliced fennel and arugula.
• Add the blood orange slices to the salad.
• Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
• Gently toss the salad to combine the flavors.
• Garnish with fennel fronds and optional cheese before serving.

This refreshing salad pairs the crispness of fennel with the sweet acidity of blood oranges, perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.

Blood Orange Glazed Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• Juice and zest of 2 blood oranges
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a bowl, whisk together blood orange juice and zest, honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
• Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
• In a baking dish, place the salmon and pour the blood orange glaze over the fillets.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
• Serve the salmon with extra glaze spooned over the top.

This recipe creates a perfectly balanced dish with the natural richness of salmon enhanced by the sweet and citrusy glaze.

Olive-baked Feta with Blood Oranges

Ingredients

• 10.5-ounce Greek feta block, cut in half
• 2 blood oranges (or another citrus)
• ½ cup Lindsay Kalamata Olives
• ½ cup Lindsay Pitted Manzanilla Olives
• 2-3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 3-5 sprigs of dill
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Sliced baguette

Cooking Directions

• Preheat the oven to 400º F degrees.
• Place feta blocks in a small baking dish (8 x 6.5)
• Remove the peel from the blood oranges and slice them crosswise in 1/4" thick rounds, removing the pits.
• In the baking dish, layer the blood oranges, Kalamata & Manzanilla olives, and garlic on top of and around the feta bocks. No need to layer uniformly.
• Drizzle the feta, oranges, and olives with olive oil, top with dill sprigs, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese has softened and the olives are roasted and starting to burst.
• Serve with hearty bread.

Source & Credits: 

https://www.ilovelindsay.com/recipes/olive-baked-feta-with-blood-oranges

https://askthefoodgeek.com/

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blood orangeblood orangesblood oranges in seasonmediterranean dietmediterranean diet recipes for weight lossmediterranean diet weight loss recipes

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