Moro Blood Oranges

Estimated Inventory, 15 lbs : 12.54
This item was last sold on : 04/23/25

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Description/Taste

Moro blood oranges vary in size and shape, depending on growing conditions, but generally average 5 to 8 centimeters in diameter with an oblate, round, or obovoid appearance. The fruit’s skin is tightly adhered to the flesh, giving the surface a taut, firm feel, and the presence of sunken oil glands characteristically textures the rind. These glands produce a pebbled, pitted surface, and the rind is mostly matte and leathery. Moro blood oranges ripen to shades of golden yellow-orange or dark orange and are sometimes blushed with burgundy, crimson, and dark red hues. The amount of coloring on the fruit’s exterior fluctuates depending on the climate it is grown in, with regions that experience periods of cold weather producing more saturated fruits. The fruit’s rind is easy to peel, revealing a layer of white spongy pith encompassing the flesh. The flesh is divided into 10 to 12 segments by thin membranes and is aqueous, soft, and tender with a succulent nature. The flesh is also nearly seedless and showcases maroon, dark red-purple hues, sometimes almost appearing completely purple or black. Similarly to the rind, the amount of flesh coloration varies with growing conditions. Moro blood oranges emit a sweet, floral fragrance and are edible raw once ripe. The variety is known for its refreshing, sweet, tangy, and tart taste with berry-like nuances.

Seasons/Availability

Moro blood oranges are available in the winter through late spring, typically between December through February in the northern hemisphere.

Current Facts

Moro blood oranges, botanically classified as Citrus sinensis, are a highly pigmented variety belonging to the Rutaceae or citrus family. Blood oranges developed as a natural mutation of common oranges and acquired two genes that are responsible for producing red pigments in the skin and flesh. Common oranges typically only have one of the two genes, distinguishing them from blood varieties. Moro blood oranges are the earliest ripening blood oranges and are one of the first to appear in commercial markets. The variety is only available for a short season and is known as the most pigmented type of blood orange. Moro blood oranges are favored for their ability to hang well on the tree, their low-seeded flesh, and their saturated coloring. In the United States, Moro blood oranges are the most seen variety in retail markets and are promoted for their sweet-tart flavor and fresh juice. Moro blood oranges develop pigmentation early during the cultivation process and are sought by chefs and home cooks for use in fresh and cooked culinary preparations.

Nutritional Value

Moro blood oranges are a source of vitamins A and C, strengthening the immune system and maintaining healthy organs. The flesh's pigmented coloring indicates the presence of anthocyanins, which are natural compounds with antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation and maintain overall bodily health. Blood oranges provide minerals, including potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. Potassium helps balance fluid levels within the body, while iron develops the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream. Magnesium aids the body in controlling daily nerve functions, and calcium and phosphorus support bones and teeth. Other nutrients include folate, manganese, and fiber.

Applications

Moro blood oranges have a sweet-tart, fruity flavor suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The variety is prized for its colored flesh and is popularly eaten out of hand, discarding the peels and seeds. Moro blood oranges can be eaten at any point in the day, and it is common for Sicilians to consume the variety in the morning and early afternoon to help with digestion. Moro blood oranges are also segmented and tossed into salads, combined into fruit medleys, or layered into parfaits. Try adding blood orange segments to desserts for a refreshing flavor addition or chopping the fruits into salsa, sauces, and as an edible garnish. In addition to eating the fruits whole, Moro blood orange juice is mixed into marinades and dressings or infused into syrup. Try simmering blood orange juice and zest into marmalades, jams, and jellies. Moro blood oranges are also incorporated into baked goods as a filling or edible topping. Common dessert preparations include cakes, sorbet, ice cream, muffins, and cookies. The variety can also be used in savory preparations as a complement to grilled meats. Moro blood oranges pair well with nuts such as almonds, pine, pistachios, and walnuts, herbs including fennel, basil, mint, and tarragon, and fruits such as mangoes, coconut, strawberries, and raspberries. Whole, unwashed Moro blood oranges will last one week when kept at room temperature and up to two weeks when stored in the refrigerator.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

On the island of Sicily, Moro blood oranges are one of three types collectively grown under the name Sicilian Red Oranges PGI. Sicily is thought to be the site of origin for several of these blood orange types, and the three varieties include Moro, Tarocco, and Sanguinelli blood oranges. Moro blood oranges are considered the least common of the three cultivars sold in Sicilian markets and are often overshadowed by the dominant Tarocco blood orange. Sicilian Red Oranges have a Protected Geographical Indication when cultivated in specific regions of Sicily, indicating that the island’s rich, volcanic soil, Mediterranean climate, and other growing conditions create a distinct environment to produce flavorful fruits. Blood oranges are also known as Arance Rosse in Italian and are primarily served fresh in pressed juices. When blood oranges are in season, street markets are filled with stacks of blood oranges beside large juicers. Vendors squeeze the oranges only after purchase, and the juice is traditionally consumed as a nutritious, refreshing morning beverage.

Geography/History

Moro blood oranges are native to Italy and were discovered growing as a natural mutation of the Sanguinello Moscato variety sometime in the 19th to mid-20th centuries. The cultivar was first noticed in a citrus-growing region near Lentini, Sicily, and was selected for cultivation because of its pigmented appearance. After its discovery, Moro blood oranges spread in cultivation across Sicily and were planted in the Syracuse and Catania regions. Over time, Moro blood oranges were introduced to other citrus-growing areas in Europe, especially in Spain, and were later offered as a new citrus variety in the United States through the efforts of Frank Meyer, a United States Department of Agriculture explorer. Moro blood oranges eventually became one of the most popular and commercially grown blood orange varieties in the United States. Today, Moro blood oranges are grown in the Enna, Catania, and Syracuse provinces on the island of Sicily. The variety is also commercially grown in parts of Spain, the United States, Australia, and China and in smaller quantities through home gardens and orchards worldwide. When in season, Moro blood oranges are offered through fresh markets, select retailers, distributors, and wholesalers.

Featured Restaurants

Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.

The Flower Pot Cafe and Bakery	La Jolla CA	858-454-5453
Choi's	San Diego CA	858-900-1224
Dolce Pane & Vino	Del Mar CA	858-832-1518
Botanica	San Diego CA	619-310-6320
Sepulveda Meats & Provisions	San Diego CA	619-501-1878
University Club	San Diego CA	619-234-5200
Parkhouse Eatery	San Diego CA	619 295 7275
Marriott Marina Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-234-1500
El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria	San Diego CA	619-220-0692
Mister A's Pastry	San Diego CA	619-239-1377
Venissimo Cheese Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-847-9616
Cody's La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-459-0040
Vi At La Jolla Village	San Diego CA	858-646-7700
Vulture / Dreamboat	San Diego CA	858-342-3609
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
Nobu	San Diego CA	619-814-4124
Catania La Jolla	La Jolla CA	619-884-5350
Mission Bay Beach Club	San Diego CA	858-201-7551
The Plot Restaurant (Costa Mesa)	Costa Mesa CA	714-852-3181
Frenchy's Hideout	San Diego CA	858-345-7379

the other 59...

Top of the Market	San Diego CA	619-234-4867
Rose Café	Carlsbad CA	310-399-0711
Bayhill Tavern	San Diego CA	858-288-6923
Bella Beverage Catering & Events	San Diego CA	619-501-5577
Pacific Coast Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-794-4632
Patisserie Melanie	San Diego CA	619-677-2132
Terra Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-293-7088
Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-1582
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club	San Diego CA	619-816-8319
Donation 3	San Diego	619-295-3172
Scrimshaw Coffee	San Diego CA	951-663-2207
MCRD-Marine Corps Recruit Dept	San Diego CA	619-725-6478
Cardellino	San Diego CA	619-722-3398
Yoann Taboyan, Personal Chef	San Diego CA	347-277-1958
Madison	San Diego CA	619-822-3465
Dija Mara	Oceanside CA	760-231-5376
Food by Chef Ty	Vista CA	424-278-8626
Half Door Brewing	San Diego CA	619-655-7459
Casa	San Diego CA	619-581-3003
Webbcreationfood LLC	San Diego CA	619-829-9194
Lumi	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Moniker Coffee Company (Bar)	San Diego CA	916-945-6721
La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen	Carlsbad CA	760-930-7063
Storyhouse Spirits Bar	San Diego CA	801-949-5955
Leila	San Diego CA	619-550-5412
Bar Same Same (Bar)	Carlsbad CA	760-470-9143
Hash House A Go Go	San Diego CA	951-764-0605
The Lion Share	San Diego CA	619-564-6924
La Jolla Country Club	San Diego CA	858-454-9601
Little Lion	San Diego CA	619-519-4079
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
All Aboard Charcuterie & Provisions	San Diego CA	619-994-5267
Marriott Courtyard Nolen	San Diego CA	619-544-1004
Monarch (Bar)	Del Mar CA	619-308-6500
The Plot	Oceanside CA	422-266-8200
Coast Catering	Escondido CA	619-295-3173
Kingfisher	San Diego CA	619-861-8074
InterContinental Banquet Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
San Diego Yacht Club	San Diego CA	619-758-6334
Fox Point Farms (Bakery)	Encinitas CA	619-892-0553
Shelter / Saloon	Encinitas CA	858-382-4047
Cliffhanger Cafe Menu	San Diego CA	858-452-9858
Gelato 101	Encinitas CA	760-487-5272
Wormwood	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
US Grant Hotel Main	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Little Frenchie (Bar)	Coronado CA	619-522-6890
Venissimo Cheese Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-491-0708
Seneca Bar	San Diego CA	619-588-2411
Wolf In the Woods	San Diego CA	619-851-7275
Fox Point Farms	Encinitas CA	619-892-0553
Lost Cause Meadery	SAN DIEGO CA	858-245-1911
Saiko Sushi-Coronado	Coronado CA	619-435-0868
Finca North Park	San Diego CA	619-581-3003
Barra Oliba	San Diego CA	610-310-5110
La Dona (Bar)	San Diego CA	858-352-8134
Boujiemana	San Diego CA	415-710-0510
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego	San Diego CA	619-232-1234
Wildland	Carlsbad CA	619-385-0914
Coral Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-449-6679

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Moro Blood Oranges. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Call Me Cupcake		Blood Orange Upside Down Cake
A Beautiful Mess		Blood Orange Lemon Fizz
A Brown Table		Goan Style Meatball Subs with Blood Orange Aioli
Dagmar's Kitchen		Blood Orange, Smoked Salmon and Edamame Salad with Mint Dressing
Good Food		Blood Orange, Fennel and Prawn Salad
Eat the Love		Blueberry Muffins with Blood Oranges
My Recipes		Citrus Salad with Spiced Vanilla Syrup
Fashionable Foods		Sriracha Glazed Salmon with Spiralized Celery Root Salad
A Brown Table		Polenta Coconut Almond Baked Pudding with Brunt Sugar Blood Orange Sauce
Just a Little Bit of Bacon		Easy Puff Pastry Blood Orange Galettes

the other 82...

A Beautiful Plate		Blood Orange Almond Chocolate Bark
A Beautiful Mess		Blood Orange Bloody Mary
Nyssa's Kitchen		Blood Orange and Cardamom Pistachio No Bake Greek Yogurt Cheesecake
Not Quite Nigella		Upside Down Blood Orange Cake
Nutmeg Nanny		Blood Orange Ginger Margarita
Honest Cooking		Brandy Dipped Citrus Salad
Sprinkle Bakes		Blood Orange Winter Watercolor Cake
A Cozy Kitchen		Buckwheat Pancakes (Dairy-Free-,Gluten-Free but not Gross)
Tatyana's Everyday Food		Vanilla Citrus Tart
A Cozy Kitchen		Blood Orange Poppy Seed Scones
Vegan Huggs		Blood Orange Margaritas
A Cookie Named Desire		Blood Orange Crème Brûlée
The Little Epicurian		Blood Orange Donuts
The Pretty Bee		Blood Orange Banana Smoothie
Dagmar's Kitchen		Almond, Millet and Cheddar Scones with rosemary Citrus Compote
Baby Bird's Farm and Cocina		Roasted Beets, Radishes, Squash and Green Beans with Orange-Dill Vinaigratte
A Beautiful Mess		Simple & Comforting Vegan Shepherd's Pie
A Brown Table		Rosemary and Star Anise Infused Blood Orange Ice Cream
Eat The Gains		Blood Orange Chia Pudding
A Calculated Whisk		Blood Orange Mascarpone Panna Cotta
The View from Great Island		Roasted Chicken with Allspice and Citrus
Sugar & Soul		Spicy Blood Orange Lil' Smokies
Always Order Dessert		Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass in a Blood Orange Butter Sauce
Garlic & Zest		Tropical Blood Orange Smoothie
Fabtastic Life		Glazed Blood Orange Blondies
Tarladalal		Pistachio Meringue Cake with Citrus, Candied Kumquats, & Cardamom Caramel Sauce
What's Gaby Cooking		Citrus Avocado Salad
Shockingly Delicious		Dutch Baby Oven Pancake with Blueberries and Blood Oranges
Preppy Kitchen		Blood Orange Margarita
Tutti Dolci		Blood Orange & Almond Scones
A Beautiful Plate		Triple-Citrus Tart with Chocolate Crust and Berries
One Vanilla Bean		Blood Orange and Meyer Lemon Macarons
The View from Great Island		Asparagus Roasted with Blood Oranges
A Brown Table		Blood Orange Curd with Honey Bourbon
Cooking on the Weekends		Blood Orange-Turmeric Upside Down Pound Cake
The Worktop		Blood Orange Whipped Butter
Cafe Johnsonia		Blood Orange Asparagus Salad with Ginger Miso Dressing
Eating Out Loud		Moro Blood Orange 'Lemon' Bars
A Zesty Bite		Blood Orange Vinaigrette
Cooking on the Weekends		Honey Jalapeno Citrus Salad
Wife Mama Foodie		Blood Orange Spelt Muffins
The Cake Blog		Raspberry Blood Orange Cake
Baking a Moment		Rice Pudding with Blood Oranges in Vanilla Cardamom Syrup
A Family Feast		Tuscan Kale Salad with Oranges, Currants and Feta
Thyme & Love		Vegan Blood Orange Donuts
A Cookie Named Desire		Blood Orange Cream-Filled Doughnuts
A Cookie Named Desire		Blood Orange Ice Cream with Raspberries
Local Haven		Blood Orange Sparkling Vodka
Sugar and Charm		Lemonade Mimosas with Blood Orange
Wry Toast Eats		Hawaiian-Style Fish Tacos with Winter Citrus Pico
Cooking on the Weekends		Stone Fruit Flowers and Winter Citrus Carpaccio
A Beautiful Plate		Small Batch Almond Raspberry Cakes
A Cookie Named Desire		Blood Orange Curd
Eat the Love		Blood Orange Lemon Vanilla Infused Shaker Pie
Good Food		Blood Orange and Champagne Sorbet
Clean Eating Non-Hippe		Jeweled Winter Salad with Blood Oranges and Avocado
Fooduzzi		Blood Orange Ginger Juice
Getty Stewart		Orange Celery Salad
A Brown Table		Toasted Pistachio Cake with Blood Orange Sauce
Fooduzzi		Blood Orange Mojitos
Sprinkle Bakes		Orange Yogurt Loaf Cake
Brooklyn Homemaker		Beet and Blood Orange Bundt Cake
Seasons And Suppers		Dutch Baby With Blood Orange Syrup
Domestic Gothess		Chocolate, Olive Oil And Rosemary Cake With Candied Blood Oranges
Erica's Recipes		Blood Orange and Dark Chocolate Brownies
Fox and Briar		Blood Orange Margaritas with Smoky Salt
How Sweet Eats		Creamy Winter Vanilla Bean Chia Pudding with Blood Orange Syrup
Fork Knife Swoon		Creamy Coconut and Blood Orange Popsicles
The Beeroness		Drunk French Toast Sticks with Beer Blood Orange Syrup
The Baker Chick		Blood Orange Curd Bars
Snappy Gourmet		Homemade Blood Orange Curd
Blahnik Baker		Blood Orange Moscow Mule
Garlic & Zest		Sweet Heat Sunshine Salad
Shockingly Delicious		Edamame Salad with Persimmon, Peppers and Pine Nuts {Vegan, Gluten-Free}
Giraffes Can Bake		Blood Orange Mini Tarts
A Cookie Named Desire		Blood Orange Chocolate Cupcakes
Good Food		Blood Orange Jelly
Wife Mama Foodie		Blood Orange Poppy Seed Doughnuts
Whitney Bond		Blood Orange Baked Salmon & Carrots
Brooklyn Homemaker		Winter Salad with Spiced Pork Chops
Salt and Lavender		Spiralized Raw Beet Salad with Blood Oranges
Saveur		Blood Orange and Onion Salad