Fruit lovers no longer have to travel to Europe to taste the goodness of blood oranges. Pick n Pay has added rare blood oranges to its fresh produce offering making it the first retailer to offer this unique fruit to customers.

The blood oranges will be available in over 300 stores across the country until the end of March (subject to availability).

What makes blood oranges unique is their crimson coloured flesh which contains anthocyanins. This deep red pigment, also found in blueberries and sweet cherries, has antioxidant properties that play an important role in protecting cells from oxidative damage. 

Anthocyanins in blood oranges are only produced in specific temperatures and originated from Sicily and Spain. While blood oranges can be grown in many areas across the world, the deep red colour tends to develop in the autumn and winter months when the area experiences low night temperatures.

“While the majority of our fresh produce is locally produced and sourced, we are always looking to offer our customers the best and widest range of produce. As blood oranges aren’t farmed commercially locally, we’ve selected a variety of Tarocco blood oranges from Spain due to their outstanding flavour that is rich and fragrant with notes of raspberry,” explains Liz Van Niekerk, Head of Produce and Horticulture at Pick n Pay. 

There are three types of blood oranges: Moro, Tarocco and Sanguinello. “While Tarocco blood oranges are sometimes referred to as ‘half-blood’ oranges as their pigment isn’t as red, they are the most popular due to their sweetness,” says Van Niekerk.

With a modest energy content per fruit, blood oranges are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are not only a great source of vitamin C, but also a source of fibre, folic acid and potassium. 

Best way to eat the fruit? 

Simply peel away the skin and eat the segments. Other than being the perfect healthy snack, use blood oranges for their zesty flavour in a range of sweet and savoury dishes. Or, add this bright citrus fruit with its brilliant colour to cocktails, salads, cakes and desserts. 

A pack of five blood oranges will cost R29.99.