Blood oranges are known for their complex citrus flavor, great for juice blends, cocktails, sauces, and more. Let’s talk about how to tell if a blood orange is bad, and answer some FAQs.
You’ll come across a trio of primary blood orange types in the United States: the Moro, the Sanguinelli, and the Tarocco. Even though each type boasts its unique flavor profile, they all deliver similar nutritional perks.
So, to ensure that we benefit from said perks, let us first talk about the qualities of a blood orange that we want to consume or use before we get into the ones we want to avoid.
How To Pick Out A Blood Orange
Choosing a good blood orange is simpler than you might think.
The first thing you should do when checking for a good blood orange is to give it a little squeeze since a blood orange with good quality should feel firm—and it should not be too hard.
Next, check out the skin color: Blood oranges with a deep red or orange color are the ones to look out for—this color tells you that those blood oranges are ripe!
Also, if they have a few blemishes, know that it is normal and does not affect their quality.
Quick checklist to help you remember:
- They should feel firm, not too soft or too hard.
- They should have a color of deep red or orange.
- A few blemishes are okay. Very mushy, bruised skin is not.
How Long Do Blood Oranges Last
At room temperature, these oranges usually stay fresh for about a week. If you want to store them longer, you need to pop them in the fridge—doing this will make them last up to two weeks.
Blood oranges can also be affected by their surroundings. Humidity, temperature, and how they are stored can all affect their freshness.
If you want your oranges to stay yummy, storing them away from direct sunlight and keeping them in a cool, dry place is a good idea. Remember, the colder temperature helps keep them in tip-top shape.
You should also give them a little breathing room when you store them, ensuring they are not crowded in there.
How To Tell If A Blood Orange Is Bad
Because these oranges do not last forever, it is also essential that you know how to tell if your blood orange is already spoiled and too rotten to eat.
Visual Inspection
Let’s start by looking at your blood oranges. Blood oranges that look pale and the vibrant red or orange color fade to a dull brownish hue tell you that it might be time to say goodbye.
Also, watch out for any mold growing on the skin—that is another sign that your orange is past its prime.
Tactile Inspection
Imagine giving your blood orange a gentle squeeze, and it gives in a little too easily.
Uh-oh, that’s not a good sign! If your orange feels soft in spots or has wrinkled skin, it’s telling you it’s not feeling its best anymore. It definitely is time to retire that orange to the compost bin.
Smell and Taste
Now, let’s get up close and personal with your sense of smell and taste. If your blood orange smells off, it might already be bad.
And if you take a bite and it tastes sour instead of sweet, that’s a definite red flag.
Signs of a Fresh Blood Orange
So, what does a good blood orange look, feel, and taste like? Specifically, when you take a bite, it should burst with a juicy, sweet flavor with a berrylike finish. When you hold it, it should feel firm and heavy for its size. Lastly, the most common sign of a fresh blood orange is its color; it should have a vibrant, rich pink
Storage Tips
Always remember: If you want to consume your blood oranges within a week, keep them in a cool place, like a fruit bowl, and away from direct sunlight.
But if you plan to store them for a while, the fridge is your friend. Pop them in the crisper drawer, and your blood oranges will thank you by staying fresh for a little longer.
Here’s our list of cocktail recipes that feature blood oranges!
The bottom line
You now know how to tell if a blood orange is bad. Plus, it turns out that picking out the perfect blood orange involves a firm squeeze and a look for that beautiful red or orange skin.
And once you’ve got your hands on some blood oranges, treat them right by storing them in the temperature that they love. That should be all you need to know when identifying a good or bad blood orange!