Blood Oranges
A primary source of vitamin C, citrus also contains good amounts of folacin, potassium, calcium, thiamin, magnesium and niacin. While most of the consumption of oranges in the form of juice - blood oranges included as an addition to fresh juice because of its fabulous color and flavor - whole fruit provides much more vitamin C and fiber, which is lost in juice unless " with pulp" is consumed.
Oranges were brought in the form of seeds to the new world - sweet oranges - and by the early 1800's groves began to flourish in Florida, which is the number one producer of citrus with 90% of the crops going into juice. All orange varieties should be firm, heavy for size, and have a fine-textured skin. Oranges do not ripen after they have been harvested, and can be kept at room temperature for up to two weeks. Re-greening of the skin may occur, which does not negatively affect the internal fruit. The same is true of surface scarring, which is the result of the young fruit rubbing against the trees.
Blood oranges are in the sweet orange family, as are hamlins, jaffas, navels and valencias. Blood oranges are indigenous to Italy, and when cut reveal a beautiful violet flesh - this fruit thrives from hot summer days - the red pigments that give give blood oranges their unique flavor and color, on the other hand, develop with cold winter nights and mild days. The three most popular varieties of blood oranges are: moro, torocco and saguinello. While the tarocco is Italy's favorite, the moro is prized in the US because of its reddish rind and juicy, dark flesh.
Princess Maria Carla Borphese is considered one of the most passionate blood orange connoisseurs, and currently grows organic blood oranges on over 200 acres in Lentini
Sicily (her husband founded the Association of Sicilian Blood Orange Producers), and she started a program - Le Arance Della Salute (Oranges for Health) - to benefit cancer research. The taroccos variety of the blood orange is the riches in vitamin C, and researchers believe that the anthocyanins (red pigment) in all blood oranges are beneficial in strengthening the circulatory system, for curing ulcers, and as scavengers of free radicals that may cause cancer.
As part of the recommended "5 A Day Plan", it is suggested that:
- a glass of orange juice for breakfast or orange sections be consumed (be sure to brush after drinking orange juice as it is very high in sugars, and can cause tooth decay without good dental attention).
- include fresh orange juice with other fruits and yoghurt to make a superb fruit smoothie.
- consume fresh oranges as a snack during the day.
- use the peel - zest - for various recipes that call for orange zest.
- take an orange with you during the day for a nutritious treat.
- add orange juice to fresh fruit salads to keep fruit from turning brown.
Fresh BLOOD ORANGES are great for any of the above suggestions - they provide a beautiful fresh juice and have exceptional flavor.