While we grow a lot of our own citrus at Putney Farm, we do not get warm enough in the Bay Area to grow one of our favorites, Blood Oranges. At our farmers market, we do get Moro blood oranges from the lower central valley, usually from about 100-150 miles away. Local enough. 

And certainly good enough. Blood oranges are a fantastic ingredient and worth the time to seek out. The color can be a beautiful, intense, reddish purple that just pops visually. It screams FLAVOR, and it does not disappoint. The juice has distinct raspberry overtones along with traditional orange flavors and sometimes features a pleasant tartness. While I love pure, sweet orange flavor, the added complexity (and beauty) of the blood orange really shines in cocktails and sorbet. Blood orange sorbet may be one of the best “bang for your buck” desserts you can make at home- and it is easy to make. Continue reading →