Oranges get their name from their color – but what if we told you that they aren’t naturally that orange?
In the United States, oranges can be dyed to make them orange!
Not all oranges are dyed, so we’ll explain how you can tell if your oranges are dyed, how they’re dyed, and how to avoid dyed oranges if that’s your preference.
Are oranges dyed orange?
According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), oranges can be dyed orange if they aren’t intended to be processed into other products (like orange juice). So why dye them orange?
In some countries/climates, oranges are picked while the skins are still green. And let’s face it – an orange that isn’t actually orange isn’t very visually appealing, and might lead you to pass on those not-orange oranges at the grocery store.
So the main purpose of dyeing oranges is to enhance their visual appeal and help to boost the sale of oranges that otherwise might not be chosen by grocery shoppers.
How are oranges dyed orange?
According to the FDA, oranges can be dyed in one of two ways:
- “Adding a color to the skin of the orange, Citrus Red No. 2, if they are not intended or used for processing and they meet the maturity standards for the states in which they are grown.”
- “Subjecting the orange to ethylene gas by a commercial process. This hastens the blanching process which apparently takes place normally after picking.”
How to tell if oranges are dyed
The FDA says food manufacturers are allowed to dye oranges as long as:
- The labeling of the bulk container of oranges (e.g. the box they were packed in) is clearly viewable to the buyer.
- “A counter card, sign, or other appropriate device bearing prominently and conspicuously the fact that the oranges are artificially colored.”
That means that you should be able to tell if the oranges are dyed while they’re being displayed at the grocery store.
Are dyed oranges safe to eat?
Food dyes are commonly viewed as unhealthy – but are they?
According to a study, there might be some safety concerns with certain food dyes; however, when used in low amounts (such as in the low amounts used to dye orange peels) they appear to be safe.
Also, keep in mind that the dye is only in the orange peel (used to make orange zest!), which generally isn’t eaten when you eat an orange!
The bottom line is yes, dyed oranges are considered safe to eat. However, if you don’t feel comfortable with dyed oranges (it’s good to do your own research and come to your own conclusions about what you’re comfortable with), there are some things you can do to avoid the dye – which we’ll cover next!
How to avoid dyed oranges
- Buy organic oranges: Organic oranges don’t allow the use of artificial dyes in the peels.
- Choose oranges grown in California or Arizona: These states have banned the use of citrus red #2 dye, so they won’t contain dyes in their peels.
Which other fruits and veggies are dyed?
If your mind was a bit blown that oranges can be dyed orange, you’re not alone! Other fruits and veggies that can be dyed to enhance their visual appeal include:
- Blueberries
- Maraschino cherries
- Pickles
- Red Delicious apples
- Red potatoes
- Strawberries
FAQs:
Food manufacturers can decide whether or not to dye oranges. If they are dyed, they must follow FDA guidelines – but no, the FDA isn’t the one who dyes the oranges.
What is the real color of oranges?
Oranges grown in certain climates truly are orange, but in some areas (such as the tropics), they retain their chlorophyll (green pigment). That means that oranges grown in certain regions may not have orange peels, but rather a green color on the outside.
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