Blood oranges are a short season citrus currently now in season. Now is the perfect time to buy them at their cheapest, sweetest and most nutritious…..so how do you use them and why are they so great? We are glad you asked!
Blood orange are not the most known of the citrus world however they are super versatile and unbelievably tasty.
Here’s why we love them, what to look for, how to store them and a few ideas on how to use them.
Blood oranges are rich in antioxidants, you know those life giving things that help to reduce the stress of oxidation and lower your risk of chronic health issues such as heart disease and diabetes? Or and help fight the signs of aging? (Yeah they are kind of a big deal!)
Not only that they are a great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, Maganese, Anthocyanins and dietary fibre. Pretty amazing package right?
So how do blood oranges compare with their Naval Orange cousins…..are you ready for it?
Blood oranges contain nine (9) times (yep NINE times) the antioxidants, double the Vitamin A and 3 times the amount of polyphenols (potent plant chemicals that are super important) including ones their cousins don’t contain. What’s more, they outclass their citrus cousins for their health promoting benefits with one blood orange equivalent to eating a whole bag (around 2 kilograms) of navels to get the same hit of antioxidants.
They are also naturally low in sugar, contributing to just 3% of your daily energy and are low energy density, this combined with their super dose of nutrients has been demonstrated to assist in reducing fat stores and preventing obesity!
It goes without saying that these citrus superstars also provide a good boost to the immune system (this is why eating seasonally is so important – nature gives us what we need, when we need it). One blood orange can provide 100% our recommended daily intake of Vitamin C, which is essential for iron and zinc absorption and vital to increasing resistance to infection.
So how do they get their rich, ruby red colour?
That gorgeous colour comes from anthocyanin, commonly found in blueberries, cherries and red wine. This special antioxidant pigment that also protects the fruit from becoming damaged by the environment.
What to look for?
When buying, choose blood oranges with firm skin, that feel heavy and smell fragrant – avoid shrivelled skin.
How to store:
When storing, blood oranges will last for a week in a bowl at room temperature, or three weeks in the fridge.
Hot tip: While they are in season, buy extra and freeze the juice in airtight containers so you can still enjoy them out of season. Did somebody say summer cocktails? You can get more juice from your blood oranges by soaking them in hot water for 10-15 minutes before juicing.
How can I use them?
Check out the recipe below with a link to more ideas.
NO BAKE BLOOD ORANGE TART - Gluten Free
INGREDIENTS:
tart base
cashew cream filling
topping
METHOD
Check out more recipes from: A taste of home - blood orange recipes.
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