Blood Orange

Species: Citrus × ​sinensis

The best known species in the Citrus genus are the Lemon (Citrus x limon), Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia), Grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi), the Sweet Orange (Citrus × ​sinensis) and the Bitter Orange (Citrus × aurantium). The Blood Orange, which is used in this incense, originated as a mutation of the Sweet Orange.

Family: Rutaceae

Related Genera: Ruta, Dictamnus

Names: Blood Orange, Blutorange, Arancia Rossa di Sicilia

History & Folklore: Blood Oranges originated either in China or the Southern Mediterranean, where they have been grown since the 18th century. They are now the primary orange grown in Italy. The typical maroon color will only develop when temperatures are low at night, as during the Mediterranean fall and winter, which makes the Blood Orange a fitting symbol for the winter sun.

Blood Orange is a favorit to use in food served on Valentine’s Day. In Rome the scent of Blood Oranges also denotes the advent of spring, which is when the fruits are ripe and made into juice, called spremuta, and gelato (ice-cream).

Blood Oranges are first mentioned by a Jesuit in 1646, who noticed the deep-purple color of the fruit-flesh and grapefruit-like taste. In 17th century Sicily, then under Arab rule, they were believed to be the fruits of poisoned trees and considered harmful to eat for almost half a century.

The notion of the fruit’s poisoned nature later turned into the opposite and they were attributed healing powers. Sicilians eat them to ward off the late-winter flu and pregnant women rub their belly with the juice to prevent stretch marks. Blood Orange is used for juice, in tea, marmelade and baking. The juice, has a unique flavor, sweet yet tarter than normal orange juice. The flavor is also compared to be slightly raspberry-like.

Medicinal & Toxicological: Contains Vitamine C like all other citrus fruits. The red pigment, anthocyanin, is an antioxidant, hence Blood Oranges contain more antioxidants than normal oranges. All oranges contain also folate, calcium, and thiamine.

Sources: Wikipedia English, Wikipedia Italian, Rome: The time is ripe for Blood Oranges, NPR: The Juicy History of Blood Oranges,