The distinctive red colouring of blood oranges is due to the presence of naturally occurring pigments called anthocyanins. Raspberries, blueberries and black rice are amongst the most common foods where we find anthocyanins . They are very common to many flowers and fruits but just not in citrus.

Is there red in orange?

Can Navel oranges be red inside? The flesh of a Navel orange is characteristically orange in color. If you cut into an orange and find it red, you are likely looking at a Cara Cara navel or a Blood orange. Cara Cara navels are nicknamed the “red navel" and have a pink rose colored slices.

Is it bad if oranges are red?

A blood orange that is heavy for its size has more water content, a sign that it is juicy. Ones bought later in the season will be sweeter if they were left to ripen longer on the tree (although that isn't a guarantee, as they could have been picked and then held in cold storage before distribution).