Blood orange: lots of vitamins and anti-aging properties!

Do you know what the differences are between conventional oranges and blood oranges? Why does the blood orange have such a characteristic red color? Find out more about this typical Mediterranean fruit below.

Properties of blood oranges or red oranges

What are the differences between this winter fruit and the common sweet orange?

The most striking difference is obviously the red color of the blood orange .This is a mutation of the common sweet orange that occurs if night temperatures are very cold.

The greater the daytime and nighttime temperature difference, the more anthocyanins are produced. These pigments are also found in many other fruits and vegetables, such as cranberries and red grapes.

In addition, the red orange also contains another pigment: lycopene (which also gives the typical red color to tomatoes).

The most common varieties are:

1. Tarocco: It is mainly produced in Italy (Sicily) in the fertile soils surrounding Etna. It is a very sweet variety, with a soft red color. It stands out for its high vitamin C content.
2. Sanguinello, of Spanish origin: Its red color is more intense, it contains few seeds and its flavor is slightly bitter but very pleasant . It appeared in Spain in 1929 due to a mutation and is slightly smaller than the sweet Navelina variety. This variety is only available in the coldest months of the year, in January and February.
3. Moro: This variety stands out for its deep red color, is of Italian origin and is much more bitter than the previously mentioned varieties. It is juicy and seedless.

There are also other varieties, such as Doble Fina (very similar to Sanguinello) and Entrefina (emerged by mutation of Doble Fina).

The blood orange is very low in calories and has no fat: 100 grams provide about 40 kilocalories.

Health properties of blood orange

• Anthocyanins, which give blood oranges their characteristic color, have antioxidant properties. They prevent degenerative diseases and help delay cellular aging.
• They regulate the level of LDL cholesterol, also called "bad" cholesterol, and the level of triglycerides in the blood. In addition, they increase the elasticity of blood vessels and reduce inflammation. So the blood orange is very beneficial for cardiovascular health.
• They provide important quantities of vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, fiber and vitamin A. They are also highly recommended during pregnancy.

Scientific studies confirm that regular consumption of blood orange juice promotes cardiovascular health and has anti-aging effects.

• The nutrients in blood oranges protect the skin against ultraviolet light. In addition, they stimulate collagen production and contain calcium. So they strengthen bones, teeth, cartilage and skin.

Blood oranges contain not only anthocyanins, but also carotenoids and polyphenols as well as other important health-promoting nutrients.

You will be able to taste our delicious blood oranges in the next season.

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