15 Brilliant Blood Orange Recipes

We love everything about blood oranges, from their deep crimson hue to their distinct sweet-tart flavor. Here's everything you need to know about buying and storing this scintillating citrus, plus our favorite blood orange recipes.

Blood Orange Basics

In Season: Popular for centuries in Spain and Italy, blood oranges are now being cultivated in the United States. Look for blood oranges in grocery stores from December through mid-April.

What to Look For: Blood oranges are somewhat smaller than navel oranges and often have pitted skin mottled with hints of red; the interior flesh is maroon, which can vary in intensity. The flavor is sweeter and less tart than other oranges and may have hints of raspberry or a slightly bitter edge. Choose firm, plump oranges that are heavy for their size.

How to Store: Blood oranges can be stored at room temperature for several days, kept in a bowl or basket where air can circulate freely. To store oranges for up to two weeks, put them in an airtight bag or container and place them in the produce drawer of the refrigerator.

Top blood orange rounds with crunchy cocoa nibs and homemade blood-orange caramel for a simple yet spectacular dessert.

Team blood oranges with Cara Caras for variety, then gently toss with your favorite greens, ricotta salata, and a super easy blood-orange vinaigrette.

Take the classic Bloody Mary to new heights by swapping out the usual vodka for tequila and cutting the tomato juice with fresh blood-orange juice. Finish with a flaky sea-salt rim, orange twist, slice of lime, and freshly ground black pepper.

Blood oranges pull double duty in this recipe -- the zest and juice go into the cake batter, and the segments are combined with honey to make a bright compote.

Shake up your brunch routine by forgoing the usual butter and maple syrup and topping your waffles with fresh ricotta, honey, and sliced blood oranges, Cara Caras, and tangerines instead.

The base for this big-batch drink couldn't be easier. Just combine rose wine and vodka with a vanilla bean, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and three different kinds of citrus -- blood oranges, navels, and lemons -- and let the whole thing steep in the fridge.

This bright winter salad is full of lively contrasts of color, texture, and flavor. Juicy blood and navel oranges, chewy dates, and salty feta are arranged on a platter and finished with olive oil, fresh mint, and thinly sliced serrano chile.