Blood oranges get their deep shade of red from a pigment called anthocyanin. Anthocyanin is a type of flavonoid pigment that is responsible for the red, purple, or blue colors seen in various fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
In the case of blood oranges, the presence of anthocyanin is what distinguishes them from other types of oranges.
While most oranges contain high levels of beta-carotene, which gives them their typical orange color, blood oranges contain anthocyanin in addition to beta-carotene.
Anthocyanin levels in blood oranges can vary depending on factors such as the variety of the orange, growing conditions, and ripeness.
Typically, blood oranges develop their characteristic deep red color when exposed to colder temperatures during the growing season.
This triggers the production of anthocyanin, resulting in the vibrant red hue that is often seen in the flesh of blood oranges.
Aside from their unique color, blood oranges also tend to have a slightly different flavor profile compared to traditional oranges, often described as slightly sweeter with hints of berry-like undertones.