The blood orange is a variety of orange (Citrus × sinensis) with crimson, almost-blood-coloured flesh.
The fruit is smaller than an average orange; its skin is usually pitted, but can be smooth.
Blood oranges possess a distinctive flavour; all types of oranges are fat-free or very low in fat, cholesterol-free, sodium-free and high in fiber.
All oranges contain varying levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, such as vitamin A, calcium, niacin and folate. They are especially high in vitamin C.
Blood oranges need a period of cold as they ripen and currently the only place where they can be reliably grown on a commercial scale is in the foothills of Mount Etna in Sicily in the Mediterranean.
The distinctive red pigment is believed to have health benefits which include combating obesity and heart disease.
Vitamin C is the main reason that you will want to eat blood oranges. Since blood oranges are citrus fruits, they are a very good source of vitamin C, also recognized as ascorbic acid.
In the past, sailors who had the disease known as scurvy were cured by eating lots of oranges.
In terms of health benefits, vitamin C is an antioxidant required for a large number of metabolic functions in the human body, and can aid in repairing tissues and ensuring healthy gums.
Another one of the health benefits of vitamin C is that it aids in healing wounds and shows benefits on the adrenal gland function.
Calcium in blood orange helps with bones and teeth. It gives bones strength.
Since most of our bodies stand in place due to our bones, calcium is an absolutely vital mineral.
Blood oranges contain some calcium and are thus a good source of this mineral.
Blood oranges are a good source of vitamin C and fiber, so they have other health benefits as well like aiding in weight loss.
To get the weight loss benefits, you would need to eat about two blood oranges a day, or drink a large cup of blood orange juice.
This type of orange can be used in the same manner like all the other oranges.