Sanguinello and Tarocco (Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck) are the most common and widespread blood oranges varieties in the Mediterranean climate area. Its interest is increasing mainly due to nutritional and organoleptic properties. In this work, three blood orange varieties cultivated in Spain (Sanguinelli, Tarocco Rosso and Tarocco Ippolito) were characterized in relation to physicochemical parameters and relevant bioactive compounds (vitamin C, organic acids, flavonoids and anthocyanins) as well as colour characterization. All samples showed important vitamin C values (higher than 54.9 mg/100 g of edible portion). Flavonoids represent the largest family of phenolic compounds, being hesperidin, the major flavonoid. Ten different anthocyanins were identified in blood oranges, seven cyanidin derivatives and three delphinidin derivatives, being the most abundant cyanidin 3-(6″-malonylglucoside) and cyanidin 3-glucoside. Blood oranges can show an intense reddish colour in peel whereas the pulp has a yellow-orange colour. Overall, these varieties are good sources of bioactive compounds.
Keywords: Anthocyanins; Blood oranges; Flavonoids; Organoleptic quality; Sanguinello; Tarocco.
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