Orange of the month – sanguinelli orange

The Fruit

The sanguinelli orange may look like a typical orange at first glance. Its peel has a reddish hue, but the real surprise is inside: its flesh is red, similar to the color of a raspberry. This color is what gives it its name, as it is known as the blood orange or red orange.

The fruit is small, with a peel that is a bit tougher than a normal orange, and has a very intense, slightly acidic flavor. It has few seeds and a lot of juice, which makes it the perfect orange for juice, as well as the favorite orange of gourmets.

Origin and Uses

The origin of the blood orange is generally attributed to the Arabs, as they were the first to plant them. But the fruit as we know it today is thanks to the Portuguese and Genoese, who created a sweeter variety in the 15th century. This variety, known as Portogallo, has been improved and planted in various countries, including Spain.

This orange has a wide variety of uses: as a table orange, for juice, for decorating dishes, or as a component of salads, desserts, etc. They are very popular as a component of dressings and vinaigrettes, and in some cases, they are used to flavor beers.

Nutritional Benefits

Like all citrus fruits, this orange has a rich content of Vitamin C, potassium, and folic acid. It contains vitamin A, minerals, and trace elements such as calcium or magnesium, and provides approximately 16% of the amount of fiber our body needs.

They help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, some types of cancer, and the accumulation of LDL cholesterol.

It contains antioxidants and strengthens the immune system, in addition to caring for the skin and delaying aging.