Frieda's, the well-known wholesaler in Los Angeles that specializes in exotic produce, enlightens us about some exotic citrus fruit:
- Blood oranges. The citrus choice of connoisseurs is a visual shock when cut open. The flesh is deep maroon-red in color, true to the name. The oranges were brought to America in the 1930s by Italian and Spanish immigrants. Blood oranges are less acidic than Valencias and their flavor is rich orange with raspberry overtones.- Pummelos are a citrus prized by the Chinese. This largest of citrus, from the East Indies, was brought to America in the 17th century. They grow as large as basketballs. Pummelos have very thick, bumpy skin and membranes. They are low in acid, lacking most of the bitter substance of ordinary grapefruit.
- Oro Blancos are a cross between the pummelo and a grapefruit hybrid developed at the University of California in 1958. Oro Blanco is Spanish for "white gold." They have a very sweet grapefruit flavor without bitterness or acidity.