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Smith’s Red blood oranges are medium to large in size, averaging 5-10 centimeters in diameter, and are ovoid to globular in shape with a slightly depressed base. The medium-thick, orange rind can be heavily covered in red blush and is leathery with a pebbled texture due to prominent oil glands. At full maturity, the rind may be completely red with no noticeable orange. Underneath the outer layer of the rind, there is a white, spongy pith that has a cotton-like texture and the flesh ranges in color from orange with red spots to being fully saturated in deep burgundy hues. The flesh is also juicy, contains a few seeds, and is divided into 8-10 segments by thin membranes. Smith’s Red blood oranges are aromatic and sweet with balanced acidity.
Seasons/Availability
Smith’s Red blood oranges are available in the late winter through early spring.
Current Facts
Smith’s Red blood oranges, botanically classified as Citrus sinensis, are a rare variety that grows on trees that can reach up to four meters in height and belongs to the Rutaceae or citrus family. The red blushed variety was discovered in the 1980s growing on the limb of a valencia orange tree in Southern California and is sometimes referred to as the Smith’s Red Valencia. Today Smith’s Red blood oranges still remain relatively unknown commercially outside of Southern California and are most popular with home gardeners as the tree can be grown both full or dwarf sized. The juicy fruits are favored for fresh eating and are also used in baking, marinades, and for juicing.
Nutritional Value
Smith’s Red blood oranges are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, dietary fiber and beta carotenes. The rich red pigment in the flesh comes from the phytonutrient anthocyanin which also offers antioxidant properties.
Applications
Smith’s Red blood oranges are best suited raw and are commonly juiced for use in sweet and savory applications. When juicing and slicing, caution should be taken as the juice may stain hands and clothing. Smith’s Red blood oranges can be peeled, sliced, and segmented for fresh eating, added to smoothies, layered over meat such as poultry and seafood, garnished over cakes and tarts, or tossed into green and fruit salads. The fruits can also be juiced for beverages, cocktails, jellies, marmalades, sauces, marinades, syrups, desserts, sorbets, and infused into salt. Smith’s Red blood oranges pair well with seafood such as snapper and salmon, pork, beets, asparagus, pistachios, dates, mint, leafy greens, ricotta, rose water, lime juice, pomelo juice, and cocoa nibs. The fruit will keep up to two weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Moorpark, California, Merleen Smith initially discovered an orange with red flesh growing on her valencia orange tree, and she thought her neighbor was poisoning her oranges. She contacted the police who turned the fruit over to the University of California Riverside’s Citrus Variety Collection. It was there that experts were able to reassure Ms. Smith that the orange was not the result of poison, but of a natural mutation where the fruit on the tree limb developed the two genes required to create the red pigmentation found in blood oranges.
Geography/History
The Smith’s Red blood orange was discovered in 1988 growing on Merleen Smith’s valencia orange tree in the small town of Moorpark, California in Ventura County. The orange then made its way to the University of California’s Citrus Variety Collection for research and testing. Researchers first planted seeds for the Smith’s Red in 2001 in Lindcove, CA, in the central valley. The results were positive, and they believed the new variety would be a good addition to the citrus industry as the fruits offer a sweet, valencia-like taste. Budwood for the Smith’s Red blood orange was first released to nurseries in 2004. Today Smith’s Red blood oranges can be found through online nurseries and are also available at local farmer’s markets in Southern California.
Supermarket Galmart
микрорайон Самал-2 111, Алматы 050000, Казахстан
Red oranges imported from Turkiye. Smith’s Red blood oranges are medium to large in size, measuring 5-10 centimeters in diameter, and feature a unique appearance. The rind can range from orange with red blush to fully red at maturity. Inside, the juicy flesh varies in color from orange with red spots to deep burgundy hues. These oranges have a sweet flavor with balanced acidity and are divided into 8-10 segments by thin membranes.
Supermarket Magnum
Almagul 18A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Moroccan red oranges imported to Kazakhstan.. Smith's Red blood oranges are versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. They can be juiced for cocktails, syrups, or marinades, or added to salads and desserts. They pair well with seafood, pork, pistachios, mint, ricotta, and more. The oranges should be stored in the refrigerator, where they will last up to two weeks. Care is needed as their juice can stain hands and clothing while slicing or juicing.
SPECIALTY PRODUCE
1929 Hancock St San Diego 92110
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(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
From FRIENDS RANCHES available at SPECIALTY PRODUCE. Smith's Red blood oranges are a rare variety discovered in the 1980s on a Valencia orange tree in Southern California. The striking red pigment in their flesh is due to anthocyanin, a phytonutrient that also provides antioxidants. These oranges are excellent sources of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and beta carotene, making them not just flavorful but nutritionally valuable. Popular with home gardeners, they are versatile for fresh eating, baking, marinades, or juicing.
SPECIALTY PRODUCE
1929 Hancock St San Diego 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Smith's Red blood oranges were discovered in 1988 on Merleen Smith's valencia orange tree in Moorpark, California. They offer a sweet, valencia-like taste and were researched by the University of California's Citrus Variety Collection. Budwood was first released to nurseries in 2004, and these oranges are now available at local farmer's markets in Southern California and through online nurseries.
SPECIALTY PRODUCE
1929 Hancock St San Diego 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Smith's Red blood oranges were first discovered in Moorpark, California, by Merleen Smith on her valencia orange tree. Initially fearing her fruit was poisoned, Ms. Smith contacted the police. Experts from the University of California Riverside’s Citrus Variety Collection later identified the oranges as a natural mutation. This mutation caused the fruit to develop two specific genes responsible for the red pigmentation seen in blood oranges.
SPECIALTY PRODUCE
1929 Hancock St San Diego 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Smith's Red blood oranges have medium-thick, leathery rinds often covered with a red blush, which may turn completely red at full maturity. The inner flesh ranges from orange with red spots to deep burgundy hues, offering a juicy texture with a few seeds. Divided into 8-10 segments, these aromatic fruits balance sweetness with acidity, presenting a vibrant and flavorful option for both sweet and savory dishes.
ESENTAI gourmet
проспект Aль-Фараби 77/8, Алматы 050060
Smith's Red blood oranges are versatile and can add vibrant flavor to dishes both sweet and savory. Their juice can stain hands and clothing, so handle them with care. They pair well with seafood, pork, beets, mint, and even cocoa nibs. These oranges can be used in juices, desserts, marinades, or even infused into salts. For freshness, store them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to two weeks.
ESENTAI gourmet
Әл-Фараби даңғылы 77/8, Алматы 050040, Казакстан
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Spanish red oranges imported to Almaty, Kazakhstan…..Smith’s Red blood oranges, classified as Citrus sinensis, are a rare variety originally discovered in Southern California in the 1980s on a branch of a Valencia orange tree. Known for their striking red pigment due to anthocyanins, they are rich in potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and beta carotene. Though largely unknown commercially outside Southern California, they are favored among home gardeners for fresh eating, baking, marinades, and juicing.
ESENTAI gourmet
Әл-Фараби даңғылы 77/8, Алматы 050040, Казакстан
View on Instagram
Smith’s Red blood orange originated from a mutation found on a valencia orange tree in Moorpark, California, in 1988. This unique fruit made its way to the University of California’s Citrus Variety Collection, where researchers planted seeds in 2001. Praised for its sweet, valencia-like flavor, the Smith’s Red blood orange became commercially available when budwood was released to nurseries in 2004, and it is now sold at farmer’s markets in Southern California.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Smiths Blood Oranges from Friends Ranches…..Smiths Blood Oranges originally gained attention when Merleen Smith in Moorpark, California, found red-fleshed oranges growing on her valencia orange tree and suspected foul play. After turning to authorities, the fruit was sent to UC Riverside’s Citrus Variety Collection, where experts identified it as a natural mutation. The mutation had produced the two specific genes responsible for the vibrant red pigmentation seen in blood oranges.