Blood oranges! Find out when these reddish oranges are in season, what they taste like, and how to make the best blood orange juice ever. Referred to as raspberry oranges in the U.K., Australia, and Canada, this is one beautiful red orange. This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission when you shop through them. 

One large and two small Weck juice jar carafes filled with red blood orange juice on a white marble kitchen counter.

Blood oranges are in season in our backyard for a few months every year. The reddish oranges make a beautiful, tasty, and nutritious addition to everything from salads to baked goods. 

Here’s everything you need to know about blood oranges, or raspberry oranges, and how to make blood orange juice when you find yourself with too many. 

A large basket filled with freshly picked backyard blood oranges and a few avocados sit on a patio with a pool in the background.

What is a Blood Orange? 

Blood orange is a type of orange that gets its name from its deep red color. The red color comes from anthocyanin, which is a type of flavonoid. Anthocyanin is often found in flowers but is rarely found in citrus fruits. 

Slightly smaller than other varieties of orange such as Cara Cara or Navel. There are three main varieties of blood orange, with Moro being the most common in U.S. markets. These are small oranges with bright orange skin that turns red in places as it ripens. 

Blood oranges originated in Sicily and are now available worldwide. 

A blood orange tree in California with orange-red oranges that are almost ripe.

Nearly-ripe blood oranges on our tree in Santa Barbara, CA.

When are Blood Oranges in Season? 

Blood oranges grow in Mediterranean climates like Italy, Spain, and Southern California. Our blood orange trees here in Santa Barbara, California produce fruit that is ready in late winter through Spring, about December through June.

The fruit is at its peak in March and April. You know they are ready when the orange skin begins to blush red. In general, the darker the skin, the darker red the flesh will be. You can use the oranges before they turn red inside, though they will be quite tart. 

 

A large wooden cutting board filled with many red blood orange halves.

What do Blood Oranges Taste Like? 

Blood oranges taste a lot like other orange varieties. They are sweet and a bit tart. Some varieties have notes of berries. Though they are most often used for juice, especially in Southern Italy, blood oranges work well in both sweet and savory dishes. 

 

Half of a blood orange is pressed in a manual citrus press.

How to Make Blood Orange Juice

Making blood orange juice at home is easy. It doesn’t require an electric juicer as our Juicing Recipes do, though that does work too. 

Once you’ve gathered your blood oranges, cut them in half and use your citrus juicer to squeeze out the juice. 

Feel free to use a combination of oranges to stretch the blood oranges further and change the flavor or color. I often juice blood oranges, regular oranges, and tangerines for a tasty and bright red citrus juice. 

A short glass filled with sparkling water and blood orange juice garnished with mint and a paper straw. A small carafe of blood orange juice in the background and half a cut red orange in the foreground.

Recommended Cooks’ Tools 

Beautiful Aperol Spritz cocktail recipe made with blood oranges and garnished with edible flowers.

Ideas for Using Blood Orange Juice  

Use blood orange juice anywhere you’d use orange juice. It’s on its own for breakfast or added to other beverages or recipes. Here are some ideas to get you started. 

Storing Blood Oranges and Juice 

Keep citrus fruits fresh by storing them in the refrigerator. They will be good for several days at room temperature, and a week or so refrigerated. 

Fresh orange juice will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months. 

Yield: about 2 1/2 cups

Blood Orange Juice

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

There are many ways to use red oranges, but when you find yourself with many, making blood orange juice is your best bet. Here is how to make, use, and store blood orange juice.

A small and large carafe filled with red blood orange juice on a marble countertop with a cut red orange in the foreground.

Ingredients

  • 7 Blood Oranges

Instructions

  1. Wash your oranges and cut them in half. A close-up of red blood orange halves face-up on a cutting board.
  2. Place the orange cut side down in your citrus juicer (see options below) and squeeze the juice according to the manufacturer's instructions. If using a vegetable juicer, peel the skin and pith before juicing. Half of a blood orange is pressed in a manual citrus press.
  3. Store the fresh blood orange juice in a glass sealed container for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze citrus juice for up to 6 months. Enjoy as-is or in cocktails, mocktails, and more.

Notes

Feel free to use a combination of blood oranges and other citrus fruits to play with the flavor and stretch your red oranges if you only have a few.

Recommended Products

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 56

Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Nutritionix. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your favorite calculator.