5+ Amazing Blood Orange Substitute Options

One of Italy’s most prevalent orange varieties is the blood orange, which is known for its dark blood-like flesh. This unusual orange originated in the South Mediterranean area but is now widely accessible in stores across the United States. Although blood oranges are difficult to get when they are out of season, there are several blood orange alternative possibilities.

Blood oranges are so prized in Europe that they have Protected Geographical Status. Blood oranges are significantly sweeter than ordinary oranges, with undertones of strawberry and raspberry in their flavor.

This article provides other choices to examine when seeking for a substitute for blood oranges.

What Are Blood Oranges?

Blood oranges, also known as crimson oranges, are called from the scarlet that lurks behind their thick orange-colored skin. While it is the sweetest orange available, it also has acidic and bitter undertones. As a result, it’s a sweeter, deeper orange with a somewhat acidic aftertaste.

Because of its delicate texture, this orange is especially perfect for producing drinks and desserts. Many people use it to make smoothies and drinks as well. Blood oranges are a popular component in gelato, ice cream, and other frozen delicacies in Italy.

Blood oranges are high in vitamins C and D, as well as minerals such as manganese and potassium. Eating this fruit also lowers the risk of cancer since it contains antioxidants such as anthocyanins. This fruit also lowers the chance of developing heart disease and diabetes.

Blood Orange Substitute

The substitutions listed below are excellent replacements for the blood orange’s sweetness and tanginess. Although blood oranges are utilized in a variety of sweets, the alternatives listed below provide something for everyone.

1. Regular Oranges

Regular oranges are a reliable alternative for sweets and smoothies. If you need that blood-red hue in your smoothies, just add some red food dye and you’re set.

These oranges taste like blood oranges with a hint of acidity. They are delicious, although their sweetness is significantly reduced when compared to blood oranges.

You may replace these fruits for blood oranges in baked dishes. Because their tastes are similar, they may also be used in smoothies and drinks.

2. Mandarin Oranges

Mandarin oranges are the most common orange variety in China, thus the name. This fruit, like blood oranges, is high in vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.

This orange variety is a smaller-sized fruit with orange peel that is loose and thin. They are quite sweet, with traces of vanilla and pleasant floral and woody smells.

Because of their sweetness, these oranges are a good substitute for blood oranges in cakes, puddings, and tarts. You may also replace blood orange zest for Mandarin zest.

3. Navel Oranges

Navel oranges are a Brazilian orange mutant that dates back to 1820. This fruit is an excellent replacement for blood oranges in baked dishes.

These oranges have an oval form, orange peel, and yellowish pulp, and are smaller than blood oranges. The pulp of this fruit is sweet, similar to that of a blood orange, but somewhat tarter. This also makes them ideal for preparing a savory meal.

Navel oranges may also be used to make smoothies, mixed beverages, desserts, and salad or yogurt toppings. When exposed to air for more than 30 minutes, this orange gets a little bitter flavor, so utilize it right away.

4. Tangerines

Tangerines are a good substitute for blood oranges if you don’t like the bitter flavor. Tangerines, as a result, are all sweetness, with extremely juicy flesh and a subtle tanginess.

They are smaller-looking citrus fruits that work nicely in drinks, desserts, and smoothies in place of blood oranges. However, keep an eye out for their seeds, since this fruit is loaded with them.

5. Blood Orange Syrup

Why not utilize the concentrated form of blood orange instead of another fruit? This syrup is sweet and tart, with all of the classic blood orange characteristics.

Blood orange syrup is ideal for use in desserts and drinks that call for blood oranges. They are, however, considerably sweeter, so keep an eye out for that.

You can create your own blood orange syrup if you don’t have any on hand. Because blood orange syrup is orange extract with added sugar, you may manufacture it by adding additional sugar to it. To every teaspoon of orange essence, add a teaspoon of sugar.

Conclusion

If you run out of blood oranges, there are many options on this list that will suffice. And the majority of them are easily accessible in shops. Blood orange substitutes are available for sweets, puddings, tarts, smoothies, baked products, and more.