Step By Step Guide for How to Cut a Blood Orange

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Have you ever wondered how to unlock the juicy goodness of a blood orange with precision and ease? In this article, we’ll take you through step-by-step instructions on how to cut a blood orange and prepare this beautiful juicy fruit, along with tips on selecting the best blood oranges and creative serving ideas.

Related: blood orange puff pastry, how to tell if a blood orange is bad

What are Blood Oranges?

Blood oranges are a unique variety of citrus fruit characterized by their deep red or maroon-colored flesh. They belong to the same family as regular oranges but contain anthocyanins, which are pigments responsible for the distinctive coloration.

These oranges have a sweet yet slightly tart flavor, with a hint of raspberry or berry-like undertones. They are typically in season from winter to early spring, with peak availability in the cold winter months. They’re extremely versatile and can be enjoyed fresh, as a quick snack or used in various culinary creations such as salads, desserts, cocktails, and sauces. They are also prized for their high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties, making them a nutritious addition to any diet.

How to Select Blood Oranges

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for blood oranges at your local grocery store or farmers market:

• Look for fruits that are firm, heavy for their size, and free from soft spots or blemishes. The skin should be smooth and firm, without any wrinkles or shriveling.
• The color of the skin can vary depending on the variety of blood orange, but you generally want to choose oranges with deep, vibrant hues of red, maroon, or purple.
• Avoid oranges that have green patches or are predominantly green, as this may indicate they are underripe.
• Give the oranges a gentle squeeze to assess their juiciness – they should yield slightly to pressure but not feel overly soft.

Ultimately, trust your senses – select blood oranges that look and feel fresh, with a rich color and fragrant aroma, for the best flavor and quality.

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Sharp paring knife

How to Cut a Blood Orange

With a little practice and our handy step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to cut a blood orange like a pro in no time! You can use this same technique with a navel orange, cara cara oranges or any other types of oranges. 

1. After washing and drying your blood orange with a paper towel, place it on its side on a cutting board. Place your non-dominant hand on the orange. Using a sharp knife, cut off both ends of the orange. This will create flat surfaces to stabilize the round shape of the orange while cutting. 

2. Stand the orange upright on one of the flat ends you just created. To remove the rest of the peel, carefully use a knife to cut down towards the bottom of the orange, following the curve.

3. Try to remove as much of the white pith as possible, as it can be bitter. The pith is the white membrane found between the outer peel and the juicy inner orange segments. 

4. Remove the orange peel and pith in sections until the flesh of the orange is fully exposed. 

5. Once the orange is peeled, place it back on its side on the cutting board. Make horizontal cuts across the width of the orange to create orange wheels.

6. This is what your peeled orange slices should look like.

Orange Wedges

Follow these steps to cut orange wedges. These are great for adding a fruit serving to your kid’s lunchbox!

1. Place your orange on its side on a cutting board. Use a small knife to slice off both ends of the orange. 
2. Stand the orange upright on one of the flat ends. Slice from the top of the orange straight down through the center to cut it in half.
3. Cut each half into quarters, lengthwise.

Once cut, these stunning citrus segments can be served immediately as a great snack on-the-go, added to a fruit salad or incorporated into various blood orange recipes. Enjoy! 

Storage Tips

Here, you’ll find easy ways to keep these sweet oranges fresh for longer. Follow these tips on the best way to store for short-term enjoyment and techniques that will extend their shelf life:

Room Temperature Storage

• If you plan to consume the blood oranges within a few days, store them at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A countertop or fruit bowl is ideal for short-term storage.
• To prevent the oranges from bruising each other, store them in a single layer rather than stacking them on top of each other.
• Check the blood oranges regularly for signs of spoilage. Remove any damaged or spoiled oranges promptly to prevent them from affecting the others.

Refrigeration Storage

If you won’t be consuming the oranges within a few days, or if you live in a warm climate, you can extend their shelf life by storing them in the refrigerator. Place them in a perforated plastic bag or in the produce drawer to maintain their freshness. 

How to Store Cut Oranges

• Place the cut oranges in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent exposure to air, which can cause them to dry out.
• Refrigerate promptly.
• Store the cut oranges away from strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator to prevent them from absorbing unwanted flavors.

Cut oranges are best when consumed fresh, so try to use them within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Knowing how to cut a blood orange is not only a valuable kitchen skill but also a fun way to enjoy this unique citrus fruit in different ways. Whether you’re adding orange slices to salads, juicing for beverages, or simply snacking on this fruit, the easiest method for cutting a blood orange ensures that you get the most out of this seasonal fruit.