Blood Oranges Could Be Profitable Option for Cold-Hardy Citrus Producers

Blood oranges may be an enticing fruit to grow for cold-hardy citrus producers in North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama.

Muhammad Shahid, assistant professor of horticulture at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), highlighted his blood orange research during the Cold-Hardy Citrus Field Day and Workshop at the North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy on Oct. 1.

California produces the majority of blood oranges in the United States. But Shahid believes there is potential for cold-hardy producers to profit from blood orange production, especially since it would provide early market access.

“There are a few small plantings here, maybe one or two in this region, but most of the blood oranges are from California,” Shahid said. “If we develop blood orange production for this area, we are 40 days earlier than California. That’s an advantage.”

Blood oranges are full of anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that provides the fruit with its distinct dark red color.

“This red color is developed with the cooler temperatures. If you grow the blood oranges in the south (Florida), you will not get that color, because there is not enough cooler nights and cooler temperatures. But here (in North Florida), we have that and all of the requirements,” Shahid said.

He estimated that blood oranges could be harvested in December in the cold-hardy citrus region ahead of the January timeframe in California. The price of the fruit can be double, triple or more compared to other citrus varieties in the market.

Shahid and UF/IFAS colleagues are researching five blood orange varieties to determine basic production information to share with growers. He expects that in two to three years, when the trees under study yield their first harvest, more details will become available on harvest timing and fruit quality.