Sicilian blood orange distinctive dark flesh color is due to the presence of anthocyanins, a family of polyphenol pigments common to many flowers and fruit, but uncommon in citrus fruits. The blood orange is a natural mutation of the orange, which is itself a hybrid, probably between the pomelo and the tangerine.
Moro’, the newest variety of the three. While also pigmented, Cara cara navels and Vainiglia sanguignos have pigmentation based on lycopene, not anthocyanins as blood oranges do. The ‘Moro’ is the most colorful of the blood oranges, with a deep red flesh and a rind with a bright red blush. The flavor is stronger and the aroma is more intense than a normal orange. This fruit has a distinct, sweet flavor with a hint of raspberry. The name ‘Tarocco’ is thought to be derived from an exclamation of wonder expressed by the farmer who was shown this fruit by its discoverer.