Blood oranges are grown in the volcanic atmosphere of Mount Etna in Sicily, and like all citrus fruits, blood oranges contain vitamin C. These citrus fruits have antioxidant properties, due to the presence of anthocyanins. Antioxidants help to protect cells from potential free radical damage which can be influenced by environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollution.
Alternative Names
Citrus aurantium var. sinensis
Citrus macracantha
Citrus aurantium var. dulcis
In Europe, citrus fruits, were introduced to Italy by the crusaders in the 11th century. The Blood orange is a variety of orange which has a deep red coloured flesh.
The fruit peel of the blood orange contains a number of nutrients including citrus bioflavonoids and the distinctive dark pigments of the flesh contain anthocyanins, a source of antioxidants.