Moro Blood Oranges

Estimated Inventory, 15 lbs : 38.82
This item was last sold on : 04/30/25

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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.

Little Lion	San Diego CA	619-519-4079
Botanica	San Diego CA	619-310-6320
Cliffhanger Cafe Menu	San Diego CA	858-452-9858
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
Half Door Brewing	San Diego CA	619-655-7459
The Plot Restaurant (Costa Mesa)	Costa Mesa CA	714-852-3181
Food by Chef Ty	Vista CA	424-278-8626
Georges at the Cove	San Diego CA	858-454-4244
Wolf In the Woods	San Diego CA	619-851-7275
Frenchy's Hideout	San Diego CA	858-345-7379
El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria	San Diego CA	619-220-0692
Lumi	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Pacific Terrace Hotel	San Diego CA	858-581-3500
Venissimo Cheese Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-847-9616
Culinary Kitchen Catering and Events	Coronado CA	619-798-8477
Catania La Jolla	La Jolla CA	619-884-5350
Wormwood	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
Bayhill Tavern	San Diego CA	858-288-6923
Fox Point Farms	Encinitas CA	619-892-0553
InterContinental Banquet Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400

the other 55...

Storyhouse Spirits Bar	San Diego CA	801-949-5955
Moniker Coffee Company (Bar)	San Diego CA	916-945-6721
Coral Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-449-6679
Webbcreationfood LLC	San Diego CA	619-829-9194
The Flower Pot Cafe and Bakery	La Jolla CA	858-454-5453
Gelato 101	Encinitas CA	760-487-5272
Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-1582
San Diego Yacht Club	San Diego CA	619-758-6334
Top of the Market	San Diego CA	619-234-4867
Casa	San Diego CA	619-581-3003
US Grant Hotel Main	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
MCRD-Marine Corps Recruit Dept	San Diego CA	619-725-6478
Patisserie Melanie	San Diego CA	619-677-2132
Bar Same Same (Bar)	Carlsbad CA	760-470-9143
Boujiemana	San Diego CA	415-710-0510
Mission Bay Beach Club	San Diego CA	858-201-7551
Monarch (Bar)	Del Mar CA	619-308-6500
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
Finca North Park	San Diego CA	619-581-3003
Mister A's Pastry	San Diego CA	619-239-1377
Coast Catering	Escondido CA	619-295-3173
Seneca Bar	San Diego CA	619-588-2411
La Dona (Bar)	San Diego CA	858-352-8134
The Lion Share	San Diego CA	619-564-6924
Hash House A Go Go	San Diego CA	951-764-0605
All Aboard Charcuterie & Provisions	San Diego CA	619-994-5267
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club	San Diego CA	619-816-8319
Marriott Marina Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-234-1500
La Jolla Country Club	San Diego CA	858-454-9601
Parkhouse Eatery	San Diego CA	619 295 7275
Donation 3	San Diego	619-295-3172
Scrimshaw Coffee	San Diego CA	951-663-2207
Barra Oliba	San Diego CA	610-310-5110
Le Coq	La Jolla CA	858-427-1500
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego	San Diego CA	619-232-1234
Leila	San Diego CA	619-550-5412
Lost Cause Meadery	SAN DIEGO CA	858-245-1911
Rose Café	Carlsbad CA	310-399-0711
Marriott Courtyard Nolen	San Diego CA	619-544-1004
Lucky Bolt	San Diego CA	662-832-3638
Wildland	Carlsbad CA	619-385-0914
Nobu	San Diego CA	619-814-4124
Little Frenchie (Bar)	Coronado CA	619-522-6890
Venissimo Cheese Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-491-0708
Cardellino	San Diego CA	619-722-3398
Saiko Sushi-Coronado	Coronado CA	619-435-0868
Vulture / Dreamboat	San Diego CA	858-342-3609
Shelter / Saloon	Encinitas CA	858-382-4047
Cody's La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-459-0040
Madison	San Diego CA	619-822-3465
Sugar Bear Enterprises	San Diego CA	925-383-3623
Vi At La Jolla Village	San Diego CA	858-646-7700
Choi's	San Diego CA	858-900-1224
Terra Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-293-7088
Kingfisher	San Diego CA	619-861-8074

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Moro Blood Oranges. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Cooking on the Weekends		Blood Orange-Turmeric Upside Down Pound Cake
Not Quite Nigella		Upside Down Blood Orange Cake
A Calculated Whisk		Blood Orange Mascarpone Panna Cotta
Shockingly Delicious		Dutch Baby Oven Pancake with Blueberries and Blood Oranges
A Cookie Named Desire		Blood Orange Curd
Cafe Johnsonia		Blood Orange Asparagus Salad with Ginger Miso Dressing
Garlic & Zest		Sweet Heat Sunshine Salad
Vegan Huggs		Blood Orange Margaritas
The Little Epicurian		Blood Orange Donuts
Wife Mama Foodie		Blood Orange Spelt Muffins

the other 82...

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