The blood orange is king of the citrus fruits. There’s nothing macabre about this crimson-red orange, and those who have tasted its sweet and succulent flesh cannot forget it.
But it’s not just the flavour that ranks the blood orange so highly on the list of desirable fruits, this treasure of the orchards also packs a solid punch of vitamin C and obtains its deep colour from the presence of potent antioxidant pigments called anthocyanins.
Food-loving Capetonians are in for a treat later this month when two special nights are dedicated to this fruit. Chef Matt Manning pays tribute to the blood orange on June 30th and July 1st with his signature pop-up dinner One Ingredient, where five courses (including canapés and wine pairing) will be served, each containing the flavour of the month.
Wine will be catered for by Bouchard Finlayson on June 30th and Fable Mountain Vineyards July 1st – the former producing renowned cool-climate, small batch wines and the latter a boutique winery in Tulbagh, boasting a fine range of artisanal wines.
With its origins rooted in Spain and Sicily, it’s not difficult to imagine how the blood orange fits into the laid-back Mediterranean scene where food is so important. The creative skill of Chef Matt is guaranteed to give it the recognition it deserves.
OF NOTE
Where Food + Lab, 70-72 Bree Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
When June 30th and July 1st 2017, 18:30 – 22:00 pm
Cost R725 pp – includes canapés on arrival plus five courses and wine
Contact [email protected], www.mattmanningchef.com, Facebook event
Photography Courtesy