Note · Citrus

Blood orange

Citrus sinensis

Photo: Alexas_Fotos (new tab) / Pixabay (new tab)

Grown at the foot of Etna, blood orange gives a zest livelier and fruitier than sweet orange, with a hint of red berries.

What it brings

A juicy, slightly tangy sparkle.

Origins and uses

Blood orange is not a separate species: it is a variety of sweet orange, Citrus sinensis, which arose mainly around the Mediterranean, in Sicily and Spain. Its best-known varieties are Moro, Tarocco, which appeared around 1900 in Francofonte, Sicily, and Sanguinello. Its colour comes from anthocyanins, pigments whose production is encouraged by large winter differences between day and night temperatures.

In perfumery, its essence is obtained by expressing the zest. It brings a livelier, fruitier freshness than sweet orange, with a hint of red berries. It is used at the top, in citrus fragrances, fruity florals and gourmands, which it makes brighter.

In our catalogue, blood orange opens Lira by Xerjoff, with lavender and bergamot, and brightens Bitter Peach by Tom Ford and Camélia K by Ella K Parfums.

Text written with the help of AI, based on reference sources: encyclopedias, raw-material manufacturers and official information from the fragrance houses.

Material profile