Sanguinelli, Red or Blog Oranges, there is a new variety in our fruit basket at The Natural Fruit, a product which we have added after the acquisition of SG Marzal, a Valencian company which specialises in growing this fruit. Have you heard of it before? TNFC is here to tell you everything about this type of orange: what they are like, their main characteristics and benefits, their nutritional values, and we’ll also give you some recipe ideas.
What are blood or sanguinelli oranges?
The red, blood or sanguinelli orange is an exclusive product due to its colour and short season between January and April. It looks like a normal orange, albeit slightly smaller, but its secret lies within: its flesh is red in tone, like raspberry juice. This colour comes from the anthocyanins, which are pigments found in flowers and other fruits.
The characteristic colour which gives the fruit its name develops due to low temperatures as night. The skin very often develops this dark colour as well.
What do they taste like?
Blood oranges are slightly more acidic than other varieties and their flavour is more intense. They do not have many seeds, they are soft, and they are highly sought after due to their juiciness and melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Blood orange properties
- Antioxidants: these combat the aging of your skin.
- They keep cholesterol in check: favour the reduction of LDL cholesterol, i.e. ‘bad cholesterol’.
- Nutrients: they contain vitamin C, potassium and folic acid. They are also rich in minerals and trace elements such as magnesium and calcium. They contain vitamin A as well.
Blood oranges in cooking
This product, which is now a staple in the Natural Fruit’s fruit basket, is full of aromas and subtleties which captivate bakers and chefs all over the world, and we suggest that you add them to your dishes because they impart a very special flavour. They are especially good in juices, jams, jellies and ice creams, but you can also use them in salads, either in wedges or as juice in the vinaigrette.
The Natural Fruit has a very simple recipe with healthy ingredients, just for you. Here are the ingredients for our prawn and blood orange salad which serves two:
200 g of prawns
1 large avocado
2 spring onions
2 blood oranges
150 g mixed salad leaves
The juice of half a lemon
30 ml virgin olive oil
Spices to taste and a pinch of salt
- Method:
Start by boiling the prawns in a pan of salted water for about four minutes and then drain them. Let them cool down and peel them.
Wash the salad leaves.
Peal the oranges and cut them into wedges. Peel the avocado and cut it into similar sized pieces.
Dress with the oil, lemon juice, spices and salt. Enjoy!