Hold up. Have we been lied to all these years? Is our favorite winter citrus fruit dyed to be that bright, beautiful shade? Well, it isn’t so cut and dry.
Here’s your answer, straight from the FDA: “Historically it has been the policy of the Food and Drug Administration to allow the artificial coloring of the skins of mature oranges. It is a common practice to color the skins of oranges in certain orange growing areas of the country because of climatic or cultural conditions which cause the oranges to mature while still green in color.”
Why would orange growers do such a thing?
Before nights turn cool during the orange harvesting season of January through April, orange skins might not be quite “orange enough” to be visually appealing in the produce aisle. Shoppers are more likely to purchase brightly colored fruits and veggies because the color is typically equated with dense nutrients and juice concentration. They may even be green, so some growers will spray their citrus with Citrus Red #2. (Here’s another way they entice us with not-so-bright fruit.)
Since you don’t consume the orange peel, the artificial dye shouldn’t affect the taste or texture of your citrus. However, when purchasing your oranges, you also likely won’t know whether or not they’ve been dyed, because there are no current regulations that force retailers to tell you.
Oranges aren’t the only items in the produce section that are artificially colored. There are a few other fruits and veggies that have been known to be treated with artificial dyes. They include:
- Red Delicious apples
- Blueberries
- Maraschino cherries
- Red potatoes
- Strawberries
- Pickles
Some studies have looked into dyes like Citrus Red #2 to find out if they’re harmful for human consumption. The findings aren’t very encouraging.
Can you avoid dyed oranges?
If you’re interested in eating artificially colored fruit, there are a few ways to avoid the dye:
- Buy oranges at the farmers market or food co-op instead of grocery stores.
- Shop organic to avoid pesticides and any other artificial additives.
- Look for citrus grown in California and Arizona, two states that ban Citrus Red #2.
So there you have it: Some oranges are dyed to catch your eye. Next time you’re at the grocery store, remember that the bright hues may not be so natural.
These Orange-Spritzed Recipes Prove It's What's on the Inside That Counts
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Orange Cheesecake Breakfast Rolls
These yummy rolls are a nice change of pace from the typical brown sugar and cinnamon kind. They make a nice treat for breakfast or brunch. — Hannah Cobb, Owings Mills, Maryland
Orange Beef Lettuce Wraps
This is a lighter version of a restaurant favorite. I also recommend trying these wraps with ground chicken or turkey.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Orange Spritz Cookies
Brown sugar gives these spritz cookies a lovely light caramel tint. This variation has a rich buttery shortbread taste and texture with a hint of orange flavor. They are a delightful addition to my holiday cookie tray. -Sean Fleming, St. Charles, Illinois
Roasted Citrus & Herb Turkey
Thanksgiving has never been the same since I tried this recipe. I have made it for the past three years, and it never fails to impress both in presentation and taste. This is a true showstopper! —Nancy M. Niemerg, Dieterich, Illinois
Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
Coming from Oregon, a state famous for its cranberries, this bread is a given at our house. Each fall my husband and I scrounge around for walnuts to go in it. It's a regular on our table, and not just at Thanksgiving. I freeze the berries so I have a ready supply all year long. —Elaine Kremenak, Grants Pass, Oregon
Orange Ricotta Pancakes
These popular pancakes are likely to spark a craving. For a different twist, switch the citrus ingredient to lime or lemon juice.—Brehan Kohl, Anchorage, Alaska
Orange-Glazed Pork Loin
This is one of the best pork recipes I've ever tried. My family looks forward to this roast for dinner, and guests always want the recipe. The flavorful rub and a glaze sparked with orange juice are also outstanding on pork chops. —Lynnette Miete, Alna, Maine
Pineapple Orange Cake
This is one of my favorite cakes. It’s moist and light yet so satisfying. I’ve been adapting it for years and now it’s almost guilt-free. —Pam Sjolund, Columbia, South Carolina
Orange-Glazed Pork with Sweet Potatoes
When it's chilly outside, I like to roast pork tenderloin with sweet potatoes, apples and an orange. The sweetness and spices make any evening cozy. —Danielle Boyles, Sparta, Wisconsin
Creamy Orange Caramels
Each Christmas I teach myself a new candy recipe. Last year I started with my caramel recipe and added a splash of orange extract for fun. This year I just might try buttered rum extract. —Shelly Bevington-Fisher, Hermiston, Oregon
Tilapia with Citrus Sauce
The lemon, lime and orange sauce adds zest to this flaky, delicate-flavored fish. —Francis Garland, Anniston, Alabama
Florida Citrus Meringue Pie
Why limit a great dessert to just one kind of citrus fruit? Thanks to orange and lemon, this lovely pie packs a bold sweet-tart flavor! —Barbara Carlucci, Orange Park, Florida
Cranberry Orange Scones
Moist and scrumptious, these scones come out perfect every time. I savor the chewy dried cranberries and sweet orange glaze. There's nothing better than serving these remarkable scones warm with the delicate orange butter. —Karen McBride, Indianapolis, Indiana
Lemon Orange Cake
I like to bake this lovely three-layer cake instead of a more traditional pie for Thanksgiving. It has that tangy Florida citrus flavor and isn't any more difficult to make than a two-layer cake. —Norma Poole, Auburndale, Florida
Honey-Orange Broccoli Slaw
When you need coleslaw quickly, here's a great choice. Hints of honey and citrus make it special. —Debbie Cassar, Rockford, Michigan
Orange Buttermilk Cupcakes
These delightful little cupcakes have wonderful old-fashioned taste without all the fat and calories. And the creamy orange glaze will keep the kids coming back for more.—Kim Chester, Cartersville, Georgia
White Chocolate Fruit Tart
It takes a little time to make, but this tart is absolutely marvelous, especially in summer when fresh fruit is in abundance. —Claire Darby, New Castle, Delaware
Crispy Orange Chicken
These tangy Asian-inspired nuggets go a long way. We eat them over noodles or rice, in sandwiches, even on top of lettuce and cabbage. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad
Salty pretzels pair nicely with sweet oranges in this refreshing layered salad. It’s a family favorite that's a slam dunk at Thanksgiving and fall potlucks. —Peggy Boyd, Northport, Alabama
Orange Appeal
Oranges add color and great taste to winter meals! This dish looks very bright and appealing served in a glass bowl, and it's a light and easy dessert to finish off a hearty holiday meal. As far as I'm concerned, the citrusy aroma of oranges is a must at Christmas time! —Billie Moss, Walnut Creek, California
Scallops with Chipotle-Orange Sauce
Kindle cozy conversation with these tender scallops in a spicy sauce. It’s a surefire recipe for warming up a twosome in no time! —Jan Justice, Catlettsburg, Kentucky
Jazzy Gelatin
Finish things off with a bang with this colorful gelatin garnished with a chorus of fresh grapes. Chock-full of mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple, it's so refreshing that guests won't be able to refrain from seconds. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pork Chops with Glaze
Rosemary adds a special touch to these beautifully glazed pork chops that are just right for any meal. —Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia
Chilled Fruit Cups
This refreshing frozen salad is easy to assemble ahead and serve to a group at breakfast - or any time of day. It's a convenient and colorful addition to a holiday buffet. —Andrea Hawthorne, Mozeman, Montana
Salmon with Mango-Citrus Salsa
My mother would make this for us on weeknights in summer—this was the only way we would eat fish. You can make the salsa a day ahead of time. Just keep it in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap. —Najmussahar Ahmed, Canton, Michigan
Orange Crispies
When I want to drop a little sunshine into my cookie jar, I bake up a double batch of these citrusy and sweet treats. —Ruth Gladstone, Brunswick, Maryland
Cranberry Orange Pancakes
As special as the holidays, these fluffy pancakes are drop-dead gorgeous, ready in just minutes and brimming with sweet, tart and tangy flavor. Seconds, anyone? —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Curried Pork & Orange Kabobs
I love the sweet flavor of red, yellow and orange peppers. I always go for these in the summer when they are inexpensive and plentiful, plus I think they taste a whole lot better than green peppers. —Liv Vors, Peterborough, Ontario
Arctic Orange Pie
This frosty orange pie is so easy to make. I have tried lemonade, mango and pineapple juice concentrates instead of orange, and my family loves each one. —Marie Przepierski, Erie, Pennsylvania
Orange Lemonade
This juice is a favorite at our place. I'll often double the batch and send a jar next door to my mother-in-law! I was looking for a way to sweeten lemonade without using more sugar when I came up with the recipe. —Wendy Masters, Grand Valley, Ontario
Cran-Orange Icebox Cookies
These are a favorite cookie of my family around Christmas. The cran-orange flavor makes them special. —Nancy Rollag, Kewaskum, Wisconsin
Citrus Scallops
My husband and I like to eat seafood at least once a week. Oranges and lemon juice give scallops a refreshing burst of flavor. —Cheri Hawthorne, North Canton, Ohio
Double Orange Cookies
I serve these nutritious, tasty cookies to my husband and our four children. Also, because my husband is a minister, I often cook for guests in our home. —Pamela Kinney, Irving, Texas
White Chocolate Brie Cups
Try these unique little tarts as an appetizer before a special meal, or save them for a surprisingly different dinner finale. They’re sweet, creamy and crunchy—and very addictive! —Angela Vitale, Delaware, Ohio
Happy Orange Turkey
Here’s the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast. Champagne and oranges flavor this special bird that will become one of your favorite turkey recipes ever. —Tara Baier, Menomonie, Wisconsin
Orange & Lemon Wafer Cookies
These light citrus cookies go so well with a cup of coffee or tea after a heavy holiday meal. —JoAnn Belack, Bradenton, Florida
Grandmother's Orange Salad
This orange salad dessert is slightly sweet and tangy, too. It adds beautiful color to any meal and appeals to appetites of all ages! —Ann Eastman, Santa Monica, California
Orange Dream Mini Cupcakes
The bright taste of these cute cupcakes reminds me and my friends of orange-and-vanilla frozen treats. —Jen Shepherd, St. Peters, Missouri
Rustic Cranberry & Orange Bread
Studded with cranberries, slices of pretty bread make the perfect holiday brunch treat. Don't forget to dust the top with flour for artisan look! —Megumi Garcia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Citrus Steak Salad
Your family will think you spent hours on this beautiful main dish salad with its from-scratch dressing, but it's an absolute cinch! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Macadamia Sunshine Bars
Your guests will be delighted with my bars. They are packed with nuts and dried fruit. I think that when you take a bite of this treat it’s like a mini-vacation to a Polynesian paradise. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Orange Dream Angel Food Cake
A basic angel food cake becomes a heavenly indulgence thanks to a hint of orange flavor swirled into every bite. The orange color makes slices of the cake look so pretty when arranged on individual dessert plates.—Lauren Osborne, Holtwood, Pennsylvania
Orange Jelly Candies
Making candy is my favorite thing to do. I've been collecting candy recipes for more than 40 years and have taken several candy-making classes. These soft confections are fantastic. —Leah Jackson, Washington, Utah
Orange-Glazed Ham
This delicious ham looked like a sparkling jewel on the table when my mom served it for Easter dinner. The flavor of the spice rub penetrates through every tender slice. Even its enticing aroma while baking can't match the wonderful taste. -Ruth Seitz, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Triple Citrus Scones
I love the bright and buttery flavor of these tender scones. Serve them with a yummy jam, or try them as a base for strawberry shortcake. —Angela LeMoine, Howell, New Jersey
Orange Jelly
For a change of pace, give this yummy jelly made from frozen orange juice a try. I've given it as gifts to friends and family—and many times the jars have been returned for refills. —Mary Rice, Maysville, Oklahoma
Beef Orange Stir-Fry
This dinner for two is loaded with lots of flavor and color. Red pepper flakes add a little kick to the orange beef sauce, and the tender veggies add a pop of color. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Glazed Ginger Bars
I can’t think of the holidays without these luscious bars. The scent and flavor of ginger are just right for the season, and the light glaze adds the perfect amount of sweetness. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Fruit Salsa
Serve this fruity salsa anywhere you'd use ordinary salsa. My son and I experimented with different ingredients to find the combination we liked best. Preparing it in a slow cooker is really convenient. —Florence Buchkowsky, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
Glazed Cornish Hens
If you're looking to add a touch of elegance to your holiday dinner table, we suggest these Cornish game hens topped with a sweet apricot glaze. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sparkling Oranges
We were living in Texas when I found the recipe for this simple yet elegant salad. I was thrilled— we had a surplus of fresh oranges! Since it's prepared ahead, there's no last-minute fuss. —Janie Bush, Weskan, Kansas
Orange Soda Sherbet
For birthdays, we pull out the old-fashioned ice cream maker and crank out a sherbet made with orange soda. We're all crazy about it, especially my son. —Heather Craft, Paducah, Kentucky
Citrus-Marinated Chicken
This juicy, zesty chicken stars in many of my family’s summer meals. While there are a million ways to dress up poultry, you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe again and again. It’s that quick and easy! —Deborah Gretzinger, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Elegant Orange Blossom Cheesecake
The aroma of orange zest hints at how heavenly this delicate cheesecake tastes. Gingersnap cookie crumbs make a distinctive crust, while glazed orange slices become a blossomlike topping. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cranberry Orange Sandwich Cookies
My sweet-tart cookies make a terrific addition to a holiday dessert tray. I love the creamy orange filling.—Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Buttery Orange Sugar Cookies
My husband's grandmother made a variety of cookies every year for her grandkids at Christmastime. She would box them up and give each child his or her own box. This crisp, orange flavored cookie is one of my favorites from her collection.—Heather McKillip, Aurora, Illinois
Chipotle-Orange Baklava
Citrus, cinnamon and smoky chipotle peppers make my version of this flaky, sweet pastry so unique. It's really rich, so a little goes a long way. —Christine Neary, Portland, Oregon
Frozen Citrus Fruit Cups
Add some sparkle to your next get-together or church supper with these sunny citrus treats. The refreshing cups burst with color and flavor, plus they look so cute served in shiny foil containers. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona
Cranberry-Orange Bars
My mother has had this recipe for years. I love it! These bars make great snacks, but can also be served for dessert. —Margaret Adelman, Bellingham, Minnesota
Orange Dream Mimosas
Toast Mom at a Mother's Day brunch with this "grown up" creamsicle beverage. For the kiddos, make a non-alcoholic version with non-alcoholic sparkling wine, sparkling cider, or ginger ale. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Orange Natilla Custard Pie
After tasting natilla for the first time at a Cuban restaurant in Key West, I knew I had to turn that traditional custard into a pie. For a festive garnish, add curls of orange peel. —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida
Orange Twists
These soft and sweet twists have a long shelf life. You can make a number of variations on this recipe, including lemon, cherry and almond. I also like to add confectioners' sugar glaze. —Raine Gottess, Wellington, Florida
Cranberry-Filled Orange Pound Cake
I made this for a holiday dinner with my family. Everyone loved the cran-orange flavor and the sweet glaze drizzled on top. For a fun variation, add 2/3 cup flaked sweetened coconut when including the orange juice to the batter, and sprinkle the finished cake with toasted coconut. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Orange Juice Spritzer
This refreshing and pretty spritzer is a nice light wake-me-up drink and an easy way to give a twist to an ordinary glass of orange juice. Most people appreciate that it is not overly sweet.—Michelle Krzmarzick, Redondo Beach, California
No-Knead Citrus Rolls
Margaret Otley's flavorful homemade rolls can come fresh from the oven any morning. "Besides the fact that they don't require kneading, the goodies are ideal to start preparing the night before and then bake for breakfast," she pens from Waverly, Nebraska. "You won't have to get up at the crack of dawn, either...but the sweet filling and flaky texture will taste like you did!"—Margaret Otley, Waverly, Nebraska
Spiced Orange-Hazelnut Oatmeal
I’ve banished ho-hum oatmeal. My new best blend is loaded with fruit and fiber. I flavor the whipped cream with cardamom and ginger to top it off.—Heather Porter, Kalispell, Montana
Orange Breakfast Souffle with Dried Cherries
Our family often took this decadent breakfast souffle to a local park on Father's Day. It's easy to make the night before, pop in the oven the next morning and go!—Sharon Ricci, Mendon, New York
Quince Orange Marmalade
Quince sweetens this marmalade as it simmers and fills the house with its distinctive autumn aroma. It’s great on toast or bagels for breakfast in the morning! Thanks to our Test Kitchen for the recipe.
Candied Citrus
This tart and sweet candied citrus is so easy to make, and it adds a zippy pop to drinks, desserts and more. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Budapest Roll
If you’re a fan of Yule logs and pumpkin rolls, taste my Swedish specialty made from hazelnut meringue. People are in awe every time I bring it somewhere. —Catherine Walbridge, Boise, Idaho
Orange Cashew Bars
Two of my favorite ingredients, oranges and cashews, make a fantastic combination for a holiday bar—especially when you use fresh-squeezed orange juice in the glaze. —Anna Wood, Cullowhee, North Carolina
Citrus Cream Tartlets
This rich and creamy dessert is especially nice for company. It's attractive and easy to serve, and much of it can be made ahead of time. The citrus flavor is refreshing after a meal or on its own with coffee.
Cinnamon-Orange Honey Butter
This is such a delicious butter spread for afternoon tea or with a dessert bread. Just mix it up and get ready for the compliments. —Mary Bates, Cleveland, Ohio
Orange-Fig Pull-Aparts
For breakfast on Thanksgiving, my mom requested an orange pull-apart bread. I tried making one by dressing up tubes of refrigerated rolls. She loved it!—Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Honey-Orange Winter Vegetable Medley
Tossed in sweet-savory sauce, this hearty veggie side makes a lovely addition to a holiday dinner. —Jennifer Coduto, Kent, Ohio
Orange-Cranberry Nut Tarts
My friend gave me a recipe for orange cookies. I just had to embellish it. Now my friends and family crave these tarts. —Nancy Bruce, Big Timber, Montana
Orange Pistachio Cookies
I had never tried pistachios until I visited a friend who served me these cookies. I was in love! I made the recipe my own, and now my family can't get enough of them. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Marmalade Candied Carrots
My favorite way to make baby carrots is to steam them, then drizzle with an orangey glaze that makes them candy-sweet. —Heather Clemmons, Supply, North Carolina
Coconut Citrus Layer Cake
Make a showstopper holiday treat: tender white cake layered with tangy grapefruit curd and topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting. To make it more spectacular add a little toasted coconut and some citrus garnishes. Your guests will never guess you started with a convenient boxed mix. —Carmell Childs, Ferron, UT
Powerhouse Protein Parfaits
Parfaits have marvelous taste and texture, but many are loaded with sugar and leave you peckish for more. Here’s my protein-inspired option with yogurt, fruit and nuts. —Jen Hubin, Minnetonka, Minnestoa
Orange Poppy Seed Cookies
My friend Sandy and I have gotten together for years to bake Christmas cookies. One year we made 16 different kinds in a day. I like this cookie because the orange flavor makes a nice change of pace from all the classic holiday cookies. —Kathy Jessen, Sarasota, Florida
Fruit & Spinach Salad
The combination of sweet fruit and salty feta cheese makes this salad a winner. —Virginia Dack, Asheville, North Carolina
Orange Marmalade Linzer Tarts
These little cutout tarts are almost too pretty to eat! The golden sandwich cookies dusted with confectioners’ sugar reveal a colorful, citrusy center of orange marmalade.
Orange Tea
My children always appreciated a hot cup of this beverage after walking home from school. The tea is refreshing and tasty, and it warms you up. For about half the year, warmth is something we can always use more of around here!
Orange-Almond Choclava
A twist on classic baklava, this recipe adds semisweet chocolate to the nut filling and drizzles even more on top. Christmas gift-giving has never been yummier! —Nella Parker, Hersey, MI
White Chocolate Cranberry-Orange Bars
This is my take on my mother's recipe for chocolate chunk bars, which she made every Christmas Eve. Our family is scattered across the country now; making these reminds me of home. If you don't have a pastry cutter, you can use two sharp knifes or a potato masher. My mom makes this with semisweet chocolate chunks. —Erin Powell, Amarillo, Texas
Orange Pomegranate Salad with Honey
I discovered this fragrant salad in a cooking class. If you can, try to find orange flower water (also called orange blossom water), which perks up the orange segments. But orange juice adds a nice zip, too! —Carol Richardson Marty, Lynwood, Washington
Vanilla Citrus Cider
My mom used to make cider for the holidays, so I based my citrusy-vanilla variation on her recipe. I think it hits the spot! The longer the cider simmers, the stronger the flavors will be.—Kristin Weglarz, Bremerton, Washington
Orange Sugar Cookies
I make these citrusy cookies for parties and special occasions, and we always get to eat the ones that don't come out perfectly. Eventually I had to start making extra "mistakes" to keep my family happy! —Myrrh Wertz, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Marmalade Chews
I live in the heart of citrus country and think this cookie really captures that area's flavor. Orange marmalade, juice and peel give the cookie and frosting a delightful tropical taste. —Shirleene Wilkins, Lake Placid, Florida
The post Are Oranges Dyed to Be That Orange? We HAD to Know. appeared first on Taste of Home.
Jacqueline Weiss