Have You Seen a Blood Orange?

I have heard about blood oranges. Sounded mysterious, so when I found them at Trader Joe's I decided to go ahead a learn something new. I think this is a southern food. Everyone around seems to know about them. I took pictures so if you don't know about them .. you can now see what it is.

Here is a blood orange. It looks like an orange. 

Here are three in a bowl so you can see that they are usually not just a familiar orange.

I was surprised when I first opened it. It was not the color I have seen all my life. 

Beautiful color .. but so dark. Could the orange .. not be orange? 

Wow! It was really dark. Very cool. 

It was good! It tastes mostly like a regular orange but with a slight difference. 

I give it a thumbs up for flavor and something new. 

more info .. 

Blood Oranges

Blood oranges are juicy, sweet and have a dark red interior and are slightly less acidic than regular table oranges.
Originally from Sicily the blood orange has gained in popularity in the US and can be found fresh or in juice form in many grocery stores.

How They Get Their Color

Blood oranges contain a pigment called anthocyanin which is not typically found in citrus but rather more common in other red fruits and flowers. Not only is the inside of the orange darkly pigmented but depending on the variety the outside may also have dark washes of red.

Varieties

The three main blood orange varieties are Tarocco, the Moro and the Sanguigno. The Moro is being grown in San Diego, California.

Uses

Blood oranges are great for juicing and using as you would common orange juice. The dark red color of the juice makes it a good cocktail ingredient. Use fresh blood orange segments in salads, sauces, sorbets, granitas and compotes. Spanish blood oranges are used in special English marmalades.

Where To Buy

Check your local grocery store or farmer's market for fresh fruits from December through May.   Juice can be purchased year round in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store.
U.S. Seasons
Texas Crop - December to March
California Crop - November to May

Growing Blood Oranges

Blood oranges are still most abundant in Italy and Spain. They have become more popular in the U.S. and they are being grown in California and Texas.

http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/Articles/Produce-638/blood-oranges.aspx