Tarocco Oranges: What They Are and Their Characteristics

Tarocco oranges, among the most widespread and appreciated together with Navel oranges, are mainly produced in Southern Italy thanks to the particular soil and climate characteristics that favor a high quality production of this type of orange. In other countries the cultivation of Tarocco oranges is more limited as they have a low adaptability especially with respect to the climate.

Tarocco oranges belong to the “pigmented” (or blood) orange cultivars, characterized by the red color, intense or not, of the peel and in particular of the pulp. The red color shade is determined by the presence of particular pigments, anthocyanins , which are added to the carotenoids present in all other types of oranges. The presence of red pigmentation is due not only to the genetic characteristics of the cultivar type but also to environmental factors, first of all the climate. In fact, the red color becomes more intense with low temperatures and temperature variations, which is why the cultivation of Tarocco oranges, as we have seen, is particularly suitable in Eastern Sicily thanks to the presence of Etna and in the Ionian coast of Calabria with the presence of Aspromonte.
Light probably also has a positive effect on pigmentation. It seems that the Tarocco oranges located in the outermost part of the canopy are more pigmented than those located internally. Furthermore, the fruits present in denser orange groves have a less intense red color.
The intensity of the color can vary from year to year, and it is not always the same even within the same variety of Tarocco orange. Generally, the pulp begins to show the red shade before the peel.

Other peculiarities of Tarocco Oranges

As we have seen, Tarocco oranges are characterized by the presence of anthocyanins , chemical compounds that are very useful for our body. Anthocyanins, in fact, have a limiting effect on free radicals, slow down aging and help the cardiovascular system.
Tarocco oranges also have high levels of Vitamin C , therefore they are useful in preventing colds and flu.
From an organoleptic point of view, they are characterized by a very pleasant flavor, thanks to the high but at the same time balanced content of sugars and acids , in addition to the presence of some aromatic substances such as limonene and other chemical compounds. Added to this is also a high juiciness .
Finally, during ripening the acidity of the fruit never drops to the point of giving it a bland or too sour flavour.

They are sometimes improperly called tarot oranges .