Vaniglia Sanguigno Blood Oranges

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Description/Taste

Vaniglia Sanguigno oranges are medium to large in size, averaging 5-8 centimeters in diameter, and are round to spherical in shape. The medium-thick rind is smooth with prominent oil glands creating a moderately pebbled appearance and has a unique pink-orange hue. Underneath the surface of the rind, there is a pale pink to off-white pith that is spongy and has a cotton-like texture. The flesh is soft, juicy, and orange in the center with darker pink tones lining the outer edges. The dark pink hues are also prominent along the thin membranes dividing the orange into 7-10 segments, and the flesh contains many large, cream-colored seeds. Vaniglia Sanguigno oranges are sweet with little acidity, creating a one-dimensional flavor that has notes of vanilla and is reminiscent of a creamsicle.

Seasons/Availability

Vaniglia Sanguigno oranges are available in the late fall through early spring.

Current Facts

Vaniglia Sanguigno, botanically classified as Citrus sinensis, is a pink-fleshed, acid-less sweet orange that grows on evergreen trees that can reach up to five meters in height and belongs to the Rutaceae or citrus family. More commonly known as the Vanilla blood orange, and also known as the Mango orange and Strawberry orange, Vaniglia Sanguigno oranges are not a true blood orange as they get their coloring from the natural pigment lycopene and not anthocyanin, making it devoid of the vibrant red-purple flesh characteristic of other blood oranges. Vaniglia Sanguigno oranges are not commercially produced and are predominately found in Italy, favored by home gardeners for the fruit’s sweet flavor and pink-orange coloring.

Nutritional Value

Vaniglia Sanguigno oranges are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. The pigment lycopene that gives the orange its pink hue has also been shown to have antioxidant properties.

Applications

Vaniglia Sanguigno oranges are best suited for raw applications as their sweet flesh and juice are showcased when consumed fresh, out-of-hand. The flesh can be sliced or wedged and consumed as a stand-alone snack, or it can be tossed into green salads and fruit bowls. Vaniglia Sanguigno oranges are also popularly juiced and are used in fruit juices, smoothies, syrups, candies, and in baked goods such as cakes, tarts, bars, and muffins. In addition to juicing, the fruit is also used for its zest, which is sprinkled over beverages and cocktails. Vaniglia Sanguigno oranges pair well with herbs such as mint, cilantro, and basil, chocolate, almonds, walnuts, coffee, meats such as poultry, pork, duck, and fish, cardamom, nutmeg, and goat cheese. The fruits will keep for a couple of days at room temperature and 1-2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Vaniglia Sanguigno oranges are most commonly grown in Italy, and their Italian name translates to 'vanilla blood' in English. In Italy, the pink oranges are a local favorite to make a fresh blend of orange juice. The sweet flavor of the Vaniglia Sanguigno orange is mixed with more tart and acidic varieties such as the Valencia orange, limequat, or Marrakech limonette to create a balanced, sweet-tart juice. Vaniglia Sanguigno orange juice is traditionally served during breakfast, and because of the variety’s early season arrival, fresh squeezed orange juice can be served weeks before other juicing varieties are even ready for market.

Geography/History

Vaniglia Sanguigno oranges are believed to be native to Italy and have been growing since ancient times, but the exact origins are unknown. Today the acid-less sweet orange is not grown commercially and is found in Europe and select regions in California through farmers markets and private orchards.