An orange packed with antioxidants and other health benefits can be a boost of energy for citrus consumers and growers if the fruit is stored at cool temperatures, a new University of Florida study shows.
But it’s too early to know if so-called “blood oranges” are a viable crop for Florida’s citrus industry, says Ali Sarkhosh, UF/IFAS associate professor of horticultural sciences. Fariborz Habibi, Sarkhosh’s postdoctoral associate, explains in more detail.
“Although blood oranges typically command higher prices than other common varieties, such as navel or Valencia oranges, it is unclear whether farmers could substantially increase their income per acre by adding them to their crop selection and then storing them for internal color development. “. said Habibi, lead author of the study. “Improving fruit quality through the storage method presents a promising opportunity for the Florida citrus industry. However, more studies are needed before anything is recommended to growers.”
The fruit is rich in anthocyanins, which have been linked to various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They also contain other beneficial phytochemicals such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and dietary fiber.
“Fruit can also develop internal color under similar conditions at home. However, supermarket fruit must have good internal color and be ready for consumption,” Sarkhosh said.
For this research, scientists harvested fruit from a research plot at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy.
Scientists found that storing blood oranges between 40 and 53 degrees improves the content of anthocyanins, phenolics and antioxidants. When they dropped temperatures from 43 to 46 degrees, they also preserved fruit firmness, weight loss, and sugar content.
“Attributes such as firmness are crucial to maintaining the overall quality, texture and flavor of blood oranges during storage,” says Habibi.
Blood oranges get their name from their deep red flesh. Your skin contains a type of antioxidant pigment. The fruit is commonly grown in countries such as Italy and Spain, which have the Mediterranean climate – cold, but above 32 degrees – which helps them grow. In the United States, blood oranges grow primarily in California, but are not yet commercially grown in Florida.
Anthocyanin develops when fruit is exposed to cold temperatures between 46 and 59 degrees for at least 20 days. These conditions are rare in Florida’s subtropical climate.