Can a blood orange be half bloody?
I've got a "sanguino moro" (blood/red) orange, but it appears to be only half-bloody, as in the photo below. However all figures I've found on the internet show oranges that are purely red inside, for instance the ones on Wikipedia. Is this normal? Should I be worried about it? I'm mostly concerned whether it's a sign of the orange being "sick" or health-threatening in any sense.
Best Answer
While many pictures show them deep red (perhaps for the dramatic effect?), even orange flesh wih only some red tinge is normal.
Even the wikipedia link you gave in the question states:
The Moro is a "deep blood orange" meaning that the flesh ranges from orange-veined with ruby coloration, to vermilion, to vivid crimson, to nearly black.
The color of oranges is affected by temperature: Only if there is a certain temperature difference (cool nights vs warm days) the oranges develop the deeper hues. For blood oranges the crimson flesh and reddish tinges in the skin, "normal" oranges get their typical orange skin instead of greenish or yellow.
Fun fact: Even greenish oranges may be ripe, but just didn't get the cool nights. For the sake of the consumers who percieve orange = ripe, green = unripe, the skin of oranges and other citrus fruit can be "de-greened" by the "ripening gas" Ethylene (if permitted).
Below a range of color variations from mostly orange to deep red:
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Quick Answer about "Can a blood orange be half bloody?"
The most popular table orange in Italy, it is thought to have derived from a mutation of the 'Sanguinello'. It is referred to as "half-blood", because the flesh is not accentuated in red pigmentation as much as with the 'Moro' and 'Sanguinello' varieties. It has thin orange skin, slightly blushed in red tones.Why is my orange half red?
A blood orange is a citrus fruit that looks similar to an orange from the outside but has deep red colored fruit and juice. The red color is the result of anthocyanin, which develops when these citrus fruits ripen during warm days tempered with cooler nights.What makes a blood orange bloody?
The distinctive red colouring of blood oranges is due to the presence of naturally occurring pigments called anthocyanins. Raspberries, blueberries and black rice are amongst the most common foods where we find anthocyanins . They are very common to many flowers and fruits but just not in citrus.How can you tell if a blood orange is off?
Ripe blood oranges have a deep orange skin that sometimes has a slight purple tint. If the color of the rind has dulled or has spots and dents, that's an indication that it may not be fresh. Check for any signs of mold that look like white or bluish patches.Why is my blood orange not red?
The color of oranges is affected by temperature: Only if there is a certain temperature difference (cool nights vs warm days) the oranges develop the deeper hues. For blood oranges the crimson flesh and reddish tinges in the skin, "normal" oranges get their typical orange skin instead of greenish or yellow.What Are Blood Oranges And Their Health Benefits?
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Answer 2
I just happen to cut into this literally Half Bloody Blood orange! Tasted great and so pretty!
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Images: Kristina Paukshtite, Lukas, Lukas, Laker