Arancia Rossa Have Arrived!

We have been keeping an eye on the produce markets waiting for these oranges to arrive.  Last year we became obsessed with eating these.  Since everything is seasonal around here you have to wait in anticipation until they arrive again.  I think this build up makes the oranges taste even better.  Even with that in mind… I can honestly say that I have never tasted oranges like this.  I know that I have said this before about artichokes and other produce and you are probably sick of hearing it, but it is true.  The taste is unreal.  It makes me want to go to Florida and drop off a few bags and slap them around a little bit.

One of the things I like most about the local oranges   is that they seem to  have a lot less of that mealy white casing that you spend an hour picking off.  Just to further my point on how exceptional these particular oranges are:  the Arancia Rossa di Sicilia (Red Orange of Sicily) has “Protected Geographical Status” in Europe.  This standard is given to indicate that in order to carry the name they must come from that geographical location.  This same standard is used for items such as Champagne,  Roquefort Blue Cheese, and Parmigiano-Reggiano…. That is some good company.  They should have this same standard for foods in the United States such as California Burritos from San Diego,  Cheese Steaks from Philly, and Pizza from Chicago.

Some quick nutritional info on these oranges that I found interesting:

Blood oranges’ red pigment, anthocyanin, is an antioxidant. The pigments begin accumulating in the vesicles at the edges of the segments and at the blossom end of the fruit, and will continue accumulating in cold storage after harvest. Due to its pigments the blood orange contain greater amounts of antioxidants than other oranges. Blood oranges have a unique flavor profile compared to other oranges, being distinctly raspberry-like in addition to the usual citrus notes.

Below are some glamor shots that I took of the oranges.  Arriverderci!