Brighten Your Winter Days With Blood Oranges!
Blood Oranges in Season
Blood oranges are in season in winter and early spring, from about December through April. They thrive in Mediterranean climates, mainly 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 results from anthocyanin, which develops when these citrus fruits ripen during warm days tempered with cooler nights.
The Health Benefits of Blood Oranges: 8 Reasons to Add Them to Your Diet
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 visually striking with their deep red flesh and pack many 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
Blood oranges are high in vitamin C, which can significantly boost the immune system. Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells, essential for fighting infections and diseases.
Improves Heart Health
Blood oranges' (getButton) #icon=(link) #color=(#2339bd) #text=(fiber, potassium, and choline)content 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 (getButton) #icon=(link) #color=(#2339bd) #text=(arthritis and support overall joint health).
Supports Digestive Health
Blood oranges are a good source of fiber, which helps 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
Blood oranges are low in calories but high in fiber, making them 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 producing collagen, a protein that helps keep the skin firm and healthy. Blood oranges' antioxidants 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 effortless. 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
(getButton) #text=(Tortilla pizza) #icon=(link) #color=(#001871) (getButton) #text=(Blood Orange and Fennel Salad) #icon=(link) #color=(#ec6161) (getButton) #text=(Olive-baked Feta with Blood Oranges) #icon=(link) #color=(#e30d77)
Fennel and blood orange tortilla pizza
- 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
- Preheat the oven to 375.
- Drizzle olive oil on a tortilla wrap, lay down garlic slices and fennel, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the oven until golden brown and the sides curl, 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 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 (getButton) #icon=(link) #color=(#cf0e0e) #text=(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).
- Whisk together blood orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, and garlic in a bowl.
- 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
- 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 (getButton) #icon=(link) #color=(#cf0e0e) #text=(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.
- Layer the blood oranges, Kalamata, Manzanilla olives, and garlic on top of and around the feta bocks in the baking dish. There is 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:
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