A small attractive tree growing to 3-6m tall with shiny foliage with highly fragrant flowers originating in the southern Mediterranean. Fruit may take up to a year to ripen, indicated by turning orange.
The blood orange has distinct dark orange/blood red flesh which makes it popular to decorate cakes as well as traditional uses for citrus in juices, cooking and eaten whole. The pigment is due to the presence of anthocyanins which is uncommon in citrus fruit however is present in many other flowers and fruits. The flavour of the orange has a raspberry-like taste compared with other oranges.
The tree prefers fertile, well-draining soil with full sun. Tolerant to frost.