Boukhobza Blood Oranges
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
This item was last sold on : 03/11/26
Description/Taste
Boukhobza blood oranges vary in size and shape depending on growing conditions and generally exhibit an oval, round, or oblong appearance with bluntly curved to tapered-curved ends. The variety has semi-thick skin that ranges in color from yellow, yellow-orange, and orange, and notably produces a red blush on the sides exposed to the sun during cultivation. It is important to note that the red blush may be faint to nonexistent on some fruits, while others may have a darker red color. Fruits grown outdoors will differ in color from those grown in greenhouses. Boukhobza blood oranges also have smooth to slightly rough, leathery, and finely pebbled skin, covered in sunken oil glands. Underneath the surface, the orange flesh is divided into 10 to 11 segments by thin membranes and has an aqueous, tender, and succulent consistency. The flesh also bears pigmented red flecks or larger patches of coloring, varying with the growing environment, and can be seedless or contain a few seeds. Boukhobza blood oranges are edible raw once ripe and have a high sugar content mixed with low acidity. This creates a sweet, subtly tangy taste with floral, slightly jammy, and berry-like nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Boukhobza blood oranges are available in mid-winter through early spring.
Current Facts
Boukhobza blood oranges, botanically classified as Citrus x sinensis, are a specialty variety belonging to the Rutaceae or citrus family. The early-maturing blood orange is a variant of the well-known Maltaise Sanguine blood orange and is believed to have origins in Tunisia. Boukhobza blood oranges are a dessert variety prized for their higher Brix content than other commercial blood oranges, giving the fruits a sweeter, less acidic taste. The variety is not widely produced and is mainly cultivated by home gardeners, as the fruits do not ship well and have a shorter shelf life. Worldwide, Boukhobza blood oranges are known by several names, including Maltaise Boukhobza, Maltaise Sanguine Boukhobza, Tunisian Boukhobza, Maltaise Précoce, Bokobza, and Maltaise Early. Boukhobza blood oranges are a versatile, sweet variety utilized in a wide array of fresh and cooked culinary preparations. The variety is also favored for flavoring various beverages.
Nutritional Value
Boukhobza blood oranges have not been studied for their nutritional properties. Blood oranges, in general, are a source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract and vitamin C to strengthen the immune system. Blood oranges also contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect overall health, and provide varying amounts of minerals, including calcium, iron, and potassium. These minerals help the body support bone and tooth development, produce the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport in the bloodstream, and maintain fluid balance.
Applications
Boukhobza blood oranges have a sweet, subtly tangy flavor, suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The variety is primarily eaten out of hand and has a sweeter overall taste than other blood orange varieties. Boukhobza blood oranges can be sliced into wedges and consumed raw, served on fruit platters, or added to charcuterie boards. They can also be cut into thin circles and floated in drinks or used as a decorative garnish on desserts such as cakes and tarts. Try juicing the variety as a refreshing beverage, or mix it with other juices to make cocktails and mocktails. The juice is also incorporated into salad dressings, marinades, and various sauces. In addition to fresh preparations, Boukhobza blood oranges are simmered into jams, jellies, and marmalades or cooked into compotes and chutney. The variety is also used to flavor glazes for grilled meats or roasted to develop a caramelized nature and served with savory main dishes. Blood oranges can be added to vegetable dishes for a bright, sweet addition or tossed into salads. Beyond savory dishes, Boukhobza blood oranges can flavor olive oil cakes, bars, cookies, and scones. They can also be blended and frozen into ice cream and sorbet. Boukhobza blood oranges pair well with herbs like mint, basil, and lavender, with fruits such as raspberries, figs, apricots, and peaches, and spices such as star anise, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. Whole, unopened Boukhobza blood oranges will keep for a few days at room temperature and for a few weeks when stored in a breathable container in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Boukhobza blood oranges are commercially available in California as budwood through the Citrus Clonal Protection Program. The program was established in 1957, originally under the name Citrus Variety Improvement Program, and was later renamed in the 1970s to the moniker it bears today. The inspiration for the program began in 1933 with a discovery made by Dr. H.S. Fawcett at the Citrus Experiment Station in Riverside. Dr. Fawcett found that citrus psorosis was a virus that infected trees, especially those in old groves, and the virus was spread through budwood. This discovery led the University of California’s Citrus Research Advisory Committee to see the need for clean budwood. This committee, composed of nurserymen and growers, asked the University of Riverside to establish a germplasm bank of healthy, uninfected budwood from various citrus varieties. The Citrus Clonal Protection Program was formed and currently works with state, federal, and county departments in testing and evaluations. Imported budwood is evaluated through rigorous procedures and experiments until it is deemed clean. Once clean, the budwood is propagated at the University of California Lindcove Research and Extension Center in the San Joaquin Valley in isolated test blocks. These test blocks span across 14.5 acres and contain over 1,000 trees. Budwood is collected from these blocks and sent to growers throughout California, giving them peace of mind that it is virus-free.
Geography/History
Boukhobza blood oranges have unknown origins but are believed to be a variant of the Maltaise Sanguine blood orange. The variety has been traced to Tunisia, where cultivation of Maltaise Sanguine blood oranges is widespread. Maltaise Sanguine blood oranges are considered a light blood or half-blood orange, meaning their skin and flesh pigmentation is lighter than other varieties like Moro and Tarocco. Boukhobza blood oranges, which inherited this pigmentation trait, are known for their sweeter taste and lower acidity. According to information listed on the Givaudan Citrus Variety Collection at the University of Riverside in California, Boukhobza blood oranges may have originated from Jardin Boukhobza in La Soukra, Tunisia, a city within the Ariana Governorate close to the capital city, Tunis. The variety was introduced to the United States in 1997 through the ISCN conference held in Corsica, France. Later in 2006, the Givaudan Citrus Variety Collection received the variety as budwood from a grower based in L’Ariana, Tunisia. Today, Boukhobza blood oranges are primarily grown in Tunisia and are also found in limited quantities worldwide, including the United States, as a specialty citrus. The variety is planted in home gardens and by select growers, sold at farmers’ markets and wholesalers.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Two Ducks (Deliver Lion Share) | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Manna | Encinitas CA | 510-366-3057 |
Boukhobza Blood Oranges for sale around the world shared on the Specialty Produce App
