Recent research from the University of Florida suggests that storing antioxidant-rich blood oranges at low temperatures could significantly improve their health benefits for consumers.
Ali Sarkos, an associate professor of horticultural science at UF/IFAS, noted that while blood oranges are known for their health benefits and higher market prices than other varieties, their potential to become a profitable crop for Florida farmers remains unclear.
Fariborz Habibi, lead author of the study, explained that while the benefits of cold storage in improving fruit quality are promising, more research is needed before recommending that growers change their crop choices.
This fruit is rich in anthocyanins, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as vitamin C, flavonoids, and other beneficial phytochemicals.
Sarkos said fruit stored at home may start to color on the inside, but fruit sold at supermarkets should already have good color on the inside and be ripe to eat. The researchers collected fruit for the study from the University of Florida/IFAS research plot in Quincy.
Scientists have found that storing blood oranges between 40 and 53 degrees increases their anthocyanins, phenolic content and antioxidants. Lowering the temperature to 43 to 46 degrees helps maintain the fruit’s firmness, weight and sugar content.
“Firmness is important to maintain the overall quality, texture and flavor of blood oranges during storage.” Habibi said.
Blood oranges, so named for their deep red flesh and antioxidant pigments in the skin, thrive in Mediterranean climates such as Italy and Spain, where temperatures above freezing encourage growth.
In the United States, blood oranges are primarily grown in California and are not commercially grown in Florida, where the subtropical climate rarely reaches the chilly temperatures of 46-59 degrees Fahrenheit required for anthocyanin production.
In conclusion, storing blood oranges at low temperatures enhances antioxidants, benefiting consumers and growers. However, the viability of blood oranges in Florida is still unknown. While appreciated for their health benefits and market value, incorporating blood oranges into crops requires further research to increase farm income. Strategic storage methods could improve fruit quality and benefit Florida citrus, but further research and guidance to growers is awaited.
Journal References:
- Fariborz Habibi, Muhammad A. Shahid et al. “Postharvest Storage Temperature Strategies Affect Anthocyanin Concentration, Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Activity, Juice Chemical Characteristics, and Physical Properties of Blood Orange Fruit.” Food Chemistry Advances. DOI: 10.1016/j.focha.2024.100722.
