Italian Blood Oranges

[acd123]

Does anyone know where I can find them? They are ones that are usually wrapped in paper.

All the stores have the ones from the US but they are not nearly as good. Is it too early in the season?

[JamieK]

I assume you meant blood oranges? I think I've seen them in Bruno's. I'll check next time I'm in.

[foodyDudey]

I always looked for the Italian ones but last year I tried the ones from the USA and found that finally, they are growing some very good blood oranges there. (better than in all previous years) You should give them another try. The Italian ones show up about a month later than the USA ones.

[acd123]

Yes, Blood Oranges, not Bloor Oranges. I have to be more careful. I picked up some US ones last week at fiesta farms and the first one was good but the other ones were pretty tasteless. I LOVE the ones from Italy although I'll eat the US ones in a pinch.

[Kagemusha]

Italian product is pricey and VERY iffy quality-wise--not a baked-in problem but unavoidable given the transit time. The US product works for me, along with Seville oranges that are on the market now.

[acd123]

The ones from the US that I got have much less flavour and very little of the tart/sweet thing going on.

What kind are you getting?

[Kagemusha]

I've had good luck with Highland Farms for blood and Seville oranges. Most of these seem to be coming from around Yuma, AZ where a large chunk of the US lemon crop is grown--a very hot, dry spot that produces nice citrus.

[Kooper]

You can find them at most grocery stores this time of year. My go to grocery store had them this week and the were good if you know how to choose them. My preference if for a slightly stiff orange. The soft ones don't usually taste as good.

[acd123]

You found the Italian ones?? I've seen the US ones at most grocery store but my experience is that the ones from Italy (they sometimes come wrapped in wax papaer) are MUCH better.

Again, Fiesta Farms always brings in the Italian ones but they don't have any right now.

[Kooper]

They are probably American or South American. I am not too choosy with my blood oranges. I am just happy they are in season and in store.

[Arcadiaseeker]

I would love to know where to get good Italian blood oranges as well -- the first ones I had in the 80s were so delicious and addictive. These days blood oranges are very bland and refrigerated tasting -- so hard to find the sour/sweet/juicy ones.

[acd123]

Bingo. That's what I'm talking about. I thought I was the only one :-)

Again, most years, they have them at fiesta farms and at the place in the basement of SLM, but I haven't found them yet.

[foodyDudey]

They don't usually arrive here till Feb, so you won't find them yet.

[estufarian]

Gelato Fresco usually starts making an Italian Blood Orange Sorbet, when they arrive. One of their best flavours IMO. Haven't seen it yet. But I'll keep my eyes open.

[TorontoJo]

Any sign of Gelato Fresco's blood orange sorbet yet? Hoping to find some this week...

[estufarian]

Not as of last Tuesday.
There's been some sightings of a Ciao bella version on another thread - but I haven't found that either.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/673081

[estufarian]

Dropped by Lady York Foods and picked up the oranges.
So detoured to Gelato Fresco and, indeed they have had their delivery of the fruit. But they haven't (yet) started to squeeze/process it (so far - because of the Holiday Monday). Current plans are only to produce it 'wholesale' (mostly restaurants/caterers but nothing to stop anyone buying the 4.5 litre tub - that's the wholesale quantity). If there's any 'leftovers' they'll package it for their retail 'bin end' store - but no plans to produce it in 500ml packages right now.

[acd123]

I picked up the italian blood oranges from Brunos in Delisle Court yesterday. haven't had one yet. I'll report back tomorrow.

[estufarian]

When I was at Bruno's I only saw the California ones.
Are the Italian ones wrapped in paper?

[acd123]

Just ate my first one of the season five minutes ago. Yes, they are wrapped in paper. I called to confirm that Bruno's had them in stock. My wife went to pick them up and had to ask the guy in the produce section to get them from the back. They are very good, much better than the US ones in my opnion. Not sure why they aren't ubiquitous in TO like they've been in years past.

[estufarian]

Thanks - I guess they want to clear out the Californian ones first!

[Kagemusha]

I`ve checked with Longo`s several years running and the answer is always the same: too pricey, too little demand, too many issues with spoilage.The US version are fine provided you look for oranges with a splash of red on the skins. I just bought a load of US Sevilles from Highland Farms for marmalade that look and smell just fine. Have used these for several years with no regrets.

[ruzro]

Lady York an italian grocery store around Dufferin and Lawrence carries them as well as many other Italian specialities

[pinstripeprincess]

EDIT: ignore what i said about the blood oranges. apparently i was too tired and didn't even see the little stickers on them, they clearly say Sunkist USA.

for those interested in the sevilles they were $1.29/lb and they sure pack a seriously sour kick in the shins.

[millygirl]

I just bought some today wrapped in paper, from Italy, at Harvest Wagon. Haven't tried them yet but my plan is to make a sorbet with them. The sticker reads S. Zuccarello SPA.

[Wahooty]

Whoa...psp, did you actually peel and eat a seville orange? I've only ever seen them used for marmalade and marinades (I have some in my fridge waiting to be used in either mojo or griot as we speak). While I enjoy a splash of the juice in my club soda or a cocktail, I can't imagine eating it straight being a very pleasant experience. :)

[pinstripeprincess]

i've got a pile of about 4 different varieties of oranges sitting in a bowl and have been scoring them for easy peeling before heading off to work. i accidentally grabbed a seville and didn't realize what i had done until i popped a piece in my mouth. that was a shocker.

[absurdistan]

Sicilian blood oranges are on special at Fiesta Farms this week. 99 cents a pound.

[foodismyhobby]

i saw a sign at pusateri on church saying they got them in.

[sam_1]

I bought some Italian blood oranges (sorry, can't remember the specific type/brand) from Sobey's on Front St. this weekend. They were really good, but at $1.99/lb you might want to go to Fiesta Farms instead per the other poster's advice about the special.