Blood orange

The red pulp of this orange is not only exquisite, but is also full of antioxidants. His vitamin C it outperforms ordinary oranges by 40% in the tarocco variety, which can provide up to 60mg in 100ml of juice. This nutrient increases the absorption of iron, calcium and phosphorus, and participates in the synthesis of collagen, which is why prevents premature aging.

He beta carotene, Another antioxidant pigment, it is more abundant in sanguine than in other oranges. Strengthens the immune system and is transformed into vitamin A as the body needs it. The blood orange, like the common orange, provides folic acid and vitamin B1, related to intellectual performance and the prevention of fatigue, among other virtues.

The sanguine or red is a variety of orange that is characterized by its attractive burgundy pulp. It can be somewhat smaller than other varieties and its smooth orange skin is dotted with red specks. Its color is due to the presence of anthocyanins, a class of pigments more common in berries than in citrus fruits and which effectively protects health.

A treasure among citrus
· anthocyanins, The antioxidant pigments that stain the pulp of blood oranges accumulate in the vesicles that separate the segments. They are a powerful antioxidant that catches free radicals wherever they go and favors their elimination. In this way, it contributes to preventing cardiovascular and neurological diseases and various types of cancer –especially those of the colon and stomach– as effectively or more than the antioxidants found in green tea, berries or cabbage.
· By inhibiting certain digestive enzymes, Anthocyanins lower blood glucose levels and reduce the absorption of fats after meals, thus preventing obesity and diabetes.
· On the other hand, its effect on the circulatory system stands out, since it increases the resistance of the walls of the blood vessels and decreases their permeability.

Gourmet kitchen

Although it is a pleasure to eat the blood orange as a table fruit in the height of the season, it can be added to the same recipes in which regular oranges would be used and it is ideal for making juices and smoothies, as well as fruit salads, carpaccios, salads, sauces, ice creams, sorbets, jam and cakes. With goat cheese or spread it contrasts wonderfully. Nuts and dried fruits go well with bloodroot. in both rice, bulgur or couscous dishes, like pasta or vegetables.

Purchase and conservation

When buying sanguines, we must look for those with smooth skin, with a good color and without bruises. It should also be firm and have a good weight. It is better to choose them from organic and nearby cultivation to take better advantage of their vitamins. And they should not be stored with quickly ripening fruits, because both will develop undesirable flavors.