What causes the flesh of blood oranges to be red?

The red color of blood oranges is due to the presence of anthocyanins, which are compounds that give many other fruits and vegetables their red, blue or purple colors, as well. read more

The purple red color of blood oranges comes from anthocyanin pigments. Anthocyanins contribute color to many plants including many common fruits and vegetables including blueberries and red cabbage. The particular color of anthocyanins varies greatly with acidity. read more

The blood orange is a variety of orange (Citrus × sinensis) with crimson, almost blood-colored flesh. The distinctive dark flesh color is due to the presence of anthocyanins, a family of antioxidant pigments common to many flowers and fruit, but uncommon in citrus fruits. read more

The more interesting effects include: flesh speckled with red flecks, red outer rim of the flesh (closest to the peel), or in some cases, the majority of the flesh turning red or pink. It would be exceedingly rare to see Florida blood oranges with consistent solid red flesh. read more