15 Brilliant Blood Orange Recipes

February 13, 2011
Credit: Janelle Jones
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.
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Blood Orange Basics

Credit: Janelle Jones

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.

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Blood Oranges with Caramel Sauce and Cocoa Nibs

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

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Cara Cara and Blood-Orange Salad with Ricotta Salata

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

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Bloody Orange Maria

Credit: Chris Court
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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.

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Orange-Scented Olive-Oil Cake with Orange Compote and Ganache

Credit: David Meredith
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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.

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Buckwheat Waffles with Fresh Ricotta and Citrus

Credit: Jonathan Lovekin
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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.

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Vin D'Orange Punch

Credit: James Merrell
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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.

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Orange Salad with Dates, Mint, and Chiles

Credit: Marcus Nilsson
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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.

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Blood Orange and Pomelo Marmalade

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The flesh and peels of blood oranges, lemon, and pomelo are simmered with sugar to make this deep red, bittersweet marmalade. The marmalade will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.

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Blood-Orange Pavlovas with Grand Marnier

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Individual pavlovas make a truly showstopping dessert, especially when filled with mounds of boozy orange custard and topped with Grand Marnier-spiked blood orange segments.

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Bloody (Orange) Marys

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Fresh blood-orange juice joins the typical bloody Mary ingredients -- tomato juice, lemon juice, horseradish, and hot sauce -- in this elegant brunch beverage. For a refreshing twist, try using aquavit in place of vodka.

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Blood-Orange Treacle Pudding

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Gussy up the traditional British dessert by adding blood-orange zest and juice to the batter and topping the finished pudding with candied zest and a citrusy golden-syrup sauce.

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Blood-Orange Cocktails

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All you need are fresh blood-orange juice, Solerno (or other blood-orange liqueur), and some test tubes to make these festive Halloween drinks.

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Blood-Orange Compote

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Got half an hour? That's all it takes to transform blood oranges into a delectable gift-worthy compote.

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Blood-Orange Champagne Cocktails

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This next-level mimosa replaces the standard OJ with crimson blood-orange juice. Mix with chilled Champagne or the sparkling wine of your choice for an easy, beautiful special-occasion drink.

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