A recent study from the University of Florida suggests that storing blood oranges at cool temperatures can significantly boost their antioxidant levels and health benefits, offering a potential advantage for both consumers and citrus growers.
Ali Sarkhosh, an associate professor of horticultural sciences at UF/IFAS, points out that while blood oranges are packed with antioxidants and are often more valuable than other orange varieties, it’s uncertain if they could become a significant crop for Florida growers. Post-doctoral associate Fariborz Habibi adds that additional research is needed before recommending production changes to farmers.
These oranges are known for their abundance of anthocyanins, which are linked to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, along with other beneficial compounds like vitamin C, flavonoids, and fiber.
According to Sarkhosh, blood oranges can also develop their distinctive red color internally when kept in similar conditions at home but need to be market-ready with good internal color for consumers.
In a recent study conducted at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy, researchers discovered that storing blood oranges at temperatures between 40 to 53 degrees can enhance their anthocyanin levels, phenolic content, and antioxidants. Further lowering the temperature to 43 to 46 degrees also helped maintain fruit firmness, weight, and sugar content.
Habibi emphasizes that attributes like firmness are essential for preserving the overall quality, texture, and taste of blood oranges during storage.
Blood oranges derive their name from their deep red flesh and contain antioxidant pigments in their skin. While they are commonly cultivated in Mediterranean countries like Italy and Spain due to the cold climate, they are primarily grown in California in the U.S. and not yet on a commercial scale in Florida.
It is noted that temperatures between 46 and 59 degrees for at least 20 days are required to trigger anthocyanin development in blood oranges, conditions that are less common in Florida’s subtropical climate.
