Moro Blood Orange

Moro Blood Orange

The Moro Blood Orange originated in the early 1900s near Lentini, in the province of Syracuse, Sicily, and is believed to be a bud sport of the older Sanguinello blood orange. Along with the Tarocco and the Sanguinello, it is one of the three classic Italian blood oranges, and it is the most widely grown blood orange in the United States.

The Moro has the deepest color of any blood orange. Its flesh ranges from crimson to deep burgundy and can be nearly purple in a cold year, and its orange rind often carries a red blush. The color comes from anthocyanins, the same antioxidant pigments found in blueberries and red grapes. The flavor is sweet and bold, with a distinctive raspberry or berry note that sets it apart from ordinary oranges. Moro is outstanding for fresh eating, makes a striking ruby-red juice, and is a favorite of chefs for salads, cocktails, sorbets, and desserts.

At North Florida Citrus Nursery, our Moro trees benefit from our location. Blood orange pigment develops with cool winter nights, and North Florida’s climate helps bring out the dramatic color the variety is known for, color that is often lacking in fruit grown in warmer southern regions.

Growing quirk: Interior color varies from year to year with the number of cool nights before harvest. The colder the winter, the redder the fruit.