Blood orange varieties differ significantly in color intensity, flavor complexity, and market appeal. Understanding these differences helps importers select the right variety for their target market. This guide covers the four main blood orange varieties available for export.
| Quick Answer | Moro | Tarocco | Sanguinello | Gannan Blood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Sicily, Italy | Sicily, Italy | Spain | China (Gannan) |
| Anthocyanin | Highest (60-120mg) | High (40-80mg) | Medium (30-60mg) | High (40-80mg) |
| Brix | 11-13° | 13-15° | 12-14° | 12-14° |
| Color intensity | Deep crimson | Red streaks | Pink to red | Uniform red |
| Season | Jan-Mar | Dec-Mar | Nov-Feb | Dec-Feb |
| Price premium | 50-70% | 40-60% | 30-50% | 30-50% |
Contents: ① Moro → ② Tarocco → ③ Sanguinello → ④ Gannan Blood → ⑤ Variety Comparison → ⑥ Sourcing Guide
① Moro Blood Orange
Variety Characteristics
Moro is the darkest and most intensely colored blood orange variety, originating from Sicily, Italy. It produces the highest anthocyanin content among all blood orange varieties.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fruit size | Medium (65-75mm) |
| Shape | Oblate, slightly ribbed |
| Peel thickness | Medium, easy to peel |
| Flesh color | Deep crimson to burgundy |
| Anthocyanin | 60-120 mg/100g |
| Brix | 11-13° |
| Acidity | 0.8-1.1% |
| Seeds | Few to seedless |
| Harvest window | January-March |
| Yield per tree | 40-60 kg |
Flavor Profile
Moro oranges have a distinctive wine-like flavor with berry notes. The high anthocyanin content gives them a slightly tart finish that balances the natural sweetness. Perfect for:
- Premium juice blending
- Cocktail garnishes
- Dessert applications
- Health-focused marketing
② Tarocco Blood Orange
Variety Characteristics
Tarocco is the most popular blood orange variety in Europe, known for its beautiful color pattern and excellent sweetness. Originating from Sicily, it's the preferred variety for premium markets.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fruit size | Large (70-80mm) |
| Shape | Round to slightly oblate |
| Peel thickness | Thin, smooth |
| Flesh color | Red streaks on orange background |
| Anthocyanin | 40-80 mg/100g |
| Brix | 13-15° |
| Acidity | 0.6-0.9% |
| Seeds | Mostly seedless |
| Harvest window | December-March |
| Yield per tree | 50-70 kg |
Market Position
Tarocco dominates the European premium market, particularly in Germany, UK, and Nordic countries. Its sweet flavor and attractive color make it the preferred choice for retail display.
For pricing insights, see our wholesale price guide.
③ Sanguinello Blood Orange
Variety Characteristics
Sanguinello is the most widely planted blood orange variety in Spain, offering a good balance of color, flavor, and yield. It's the workhorse of Spanish blood orange production.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fruit size | Medium-large (68-78mm) |
| Shape | Round |
| Peel thickness | Medium, slightly textured |
| Flesh color | Pink to light red |
| Anthocyanin | 30-60 mg/100g |
| Brix | 12-14° |
| Acidity | 0.7-1.0% |
| Seeds | Some seeds present |
| Harvest window | November-February |
| Yield per tree | 55-75 kg |
Commercial Advantages
- Early season: Available November-December when other varieties are scarce
- High yield: Consistent annual production
- Disease resistance: Good resistance to citrus canker
- Transport durability: Holds well during shipping
④ Gannan Blood Orange (China)
Variety Characteristics
Gannan blood oranges are grown in Jiangxi Province, China, and offer excellent quality at competitive prices. They're becoming increasingly popular in Asian and European markets.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fruit size | Large (72-82mm) |
| Shape | Round to slightly oblate |
| Peel thickness | Medium-thin, easy to peel |
| Flesh color | Uniform red throughout |
| Anthocyanin | 40-80 mg/100g |
| Brix | 12-14° |
| Acidity | 0.7-1.0% |
| Seeds | Mostly seedless |
| Harvest window | December-February |
| Yield per tree | 60-80 kg |
Competitive Advantages
- Price: 20-30% lower than Italian/Spanish varieties
- Consistency: Uniform size and color
- Supply: Large volume availability
- Quality: High Brix, excellent flavor
For sourcing information, see our private label export guide.
⑤ Variety Comparison Summary
| Criteria | Moro | Tarocco | Sanguinello | Gannan Blood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Premium markets | General premium | Value segment | Budget-friendly |
| Color appeal | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Sweetness | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Yield | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Price | $$$$ | $$$ | $$ | $$ |
| Availability | Limited | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
⑥ Sourcing Recommendations
By Target Market
- European premium: Moro and Tarocco from Sicily
- European mass market: Sanguinello from Spain
- Asian markets: Gannan blood from China
- US market: Florida Bloodlets or imported Tarocco
Need More Information?
Our team is ready to assist with your citrus import needs. Contact us for:
- Product specifications: Detailed quality parameters
- Pricing quotes: Competitive FOB/CIF pricing
- Shipping schedules: Available container slots
- Documentation: Complete export paperwork
FAQ: Blood Orange Varieties
Which blood orange variety is the sweetest?
Tarocco is generally the sweetest variety with Brix levels of 13-15°. It has lower acidity than Moro, making it more appealing to consumers who prefer sweet citrus. Gannan blood oranges also offer good sweetness at 12-14° Brix.
Which variety has the deepest red color?
Moro produces the deepest crimson flesh, with anthocyanin content reaching 60-120 mg/100g. The intense red color makes it ideal for visual impact in premium markets and food service applications.
Are Gannan blood oranges as good as Italian varieties?
Gannan blood oranges offer comparable quality at lower prices. They have similar Brix levels (12-14°) and good anthocyanin content (40-80 mg/100g). The main advantage is price competitiveness, while Italian varieties may have slight edges in flavor complexity.
Which blood orange is best for juice?
Moro is preferred for premium juices due to its intense flavor and color. However, Sanguinello offers better value for mass-market juices, while Tarocco provides a good balance of flavor and sweetness.
What's the best time to import blood oranges?
Peak season is January-March when color intensity and flavor are at their best. Early season (November-December) offers Sanguinello, while late season (February-March) provides the finest Moro and Tarocco.