As a family who starts each day with a fresh juice, always citrus, I just love early August for the wonderful Australian blood oranges we enjoy at this time. Their season is from August to October and I think it is just the best citrus product we grow. Ten years ago this country grew only a few bloods but some entrepreneurial families in the Riverina changed this and demand is now rapidly growing. The Mancini operators and owners of the Red Belly brand of blood oranges now grow about 750 tonnes of this fabulous product and are now sending a lot of fruit overseas. We considered the fruit a real specialty line until a couple of years ago but now it is popular in all socioeconomic groups. There have been over 50000 new trees planted in Australia in the last 5 years. Apart from juice, they are fabulous in salads, desserts, cakes and just to munch on. Enjoy them whilst they last, it’s a short season.
HOW TO PICK
Blood oranges are typically smaller than navel oranges so select an orange that is firm and heavy for its size. A heavy orange will be a juicy orange. Avoid oranges that are spongy.
HOW TO STORE
Blood oranges will keep 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.
