Popularity of Blood Oranges on the Rise in Florida

Citrus Nursery Source: Out For Blood

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Popularity of blood oranges seems to be on the rise, as consumers are attracted to their unique flavors and appearance. Florida citrus nurseries and growers frequently inquire about the success and practicality of blood oranges in Florida.

Generally speaking, subtropical conditions are not ideal for blood oranges. Blood oranges are typically grown in more arid climates, with lower relative humidity and colder winters than what Florida provides. While Florida certainly has its share of cold nights, they are generally not sustained or timely enough to cause anthocyanin expression, which is the pigment responsible for the red coloration, and to develop the unique berry notes that are increasingly popular with consumers.

Blood oranges are midseason varieties that will crop in Florida, and in cooler winters, produce fruit with varying degrees of red coloration. At the very least, Florida blood oranges will exhibit a darker orange flesh than is typical of other Florida sweet oranges. The more interesting effects include: flesh speckled with red flecks, red outer rim of the flesh (closest to the peel), or in some cases, the majority of the flesh turning red or pink. It would be exceedingly rare to see Florida blood oranges with consistent solid red flesh. The trick is be patient and wait until February for the fruit to develop its best flavor and coloration for that season.

Gauging Expectations

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Consumer reactions to blood oranges vary. This is largely the result of education and familiarity. Consumers who know what to expect from Florida blood oranges enjoy the variability in color and flavor and are accepting of what Mother Nature provides. Consumers who have only been exposed to solid red blood oranges from Italy, Morocco, or California, may be less attracted to Florida fruit. Someone with the right marketing skills might be able to link the variability of Florida blood oranges to other positive attributes, such as higher juice content and ratio.
The bottom line: If consistency of appearance and flesh color are what you are looking for, don’t plant blood oranges in Florida. If variability in flesh coloration and flavor is acceptable, you might consider experimentation.

Consideration And Evaluation

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