Researchers may be able to turn regular oranges into healthier blood oranges by manipulating their genes.
The red pigments in blood oranges are flavonoids, which are believed to have health benefits including fighting obesity and heart disease.
A recent study, published in the journal The Plant Cell found that drinking blood orange juice with a full English breakfast could reduce the harmful effects of the fry-up.
But the red pigmentation requires exposure to a period of cold weather while they ripen, meaning the oranges can only be commercially grown in the Sicilian area of Italy around Mount Etna, which is why they are sold at a premium.
Scientists have identified 'ruby', the gene responsible for the pigmentation in blood oranges. They discovered that it is controlled by mobile genetic elements that are activated by the stress of cold.
It is hoped the findings will enable them to activate it in regular orange varieties.
Professor Cathie Martin, who led the research team from the John Innes Centre in Norwich, said: "Blood oranges contain naturally occurring pigments associated with improved cardiovascular health, controlling diabetes and reducing obesity.
"Our improved understanding of this trait could offer relatively straightforward solutions to growing blood oranges reliably in warmer climates through genetic engineering."
The gene has been implanted in a test batch of orange plants in Valencia, Spain, which are hoped to produce the genetically modified fruit by the end of the year.
Speaking at a press conference in London, Professor Martin said: "Hopefully in the near future, seven years down the line, we will have blood orange varieties which can be grown in the major orange growing areas like Brazil and Florida. So blood orange juice will become more available worldwide and the healthy properties enjoyed by more and more people."
Best New Superfoods For 2012
The New Superfoods(01 of11)
Open Image Modal (credit:Alamy)
Jerusalem Artichokes(02 of11)
Open Image ModalArtichokes are a rich source of iron and antioxidants. The Jerusalem variety has the highest levels of iron, helping to beat fatigue, aid concentration and maintain a healthy metabolism. (credit:Alamy)
Black Garlic (03 of11)
Open Image ModalBlack garlic is aged for a month in a fermentation process under high heat (hence its darker colour) and tastes sweeter than normal garlic so it doesn't leave a pungent taste in your mouth. It contains twice as many antioxidants than traditional raw garlic and has high levels of S-Allycysteine, a natural compound that has been proven to help prevent cancer. (credit:MediaWiki)
Spirulina(04 of11)
Open Image ModalThis blue-green algae is packed full of iron and vitamin B12, which are great for maintaining energy levels and fighting fatigue. This tiny aquatic plant is packed, ounce for ounce, with more Vitamin A than carrots and is a rich source of phytochemicals, which are said to help reduce menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis and reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. (credit:Flickr:William Ismael | Willpower LifeForce)
Hemp Seeds(05 of11)
Open Image ModalHemp seeds are an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation and joint pain, improve metabolism and keep the heart healthy. They also contain a more digestible form of protein than milk and eggs.Eat them raw in salads or grind them with a pestle and mortar and sprinkle them over baked foods or cereals. Hemp seeds can be also be found in an oil form which can be used for cooking or a salad dressing. (credit:Flickr:xJason.Rogersx)
Kukicha Twig Tea(06 of11)
Open Image ModalThe 'twig tea' is made of the stems and stalk from the Kukicha plant and is a herbal remedy used for reducing bloated stomachs and boosting the immune system with its high levels of disease-beating antioxidants. Typically found in tea form, it is low in caffeine, which helps keep the blood pressure levels down. (credit:MediaWiki)
Adzuki Beans(07 of11)
Open Image ModalAdzuki beans contain more protein and less fat than any other pulse. They also contain high levels of potassium which helps lower the risk of strokes and high blood pressure, fibre for good digestion and zinc, which protects the body from inflammation of the joints and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels. (credit:Flickr:adactio)
Ghee Butter(08 of11)
Open Image ModalAlthough notoriously high in fat, this clarified butter used in Indian cooking is thought to improve memory, digestion and boost the immune system. Ghee is made by simmering unsalted butter in a pot until all the water has boiled. Ghee is the milk solids that has settled to the bottom of the pot and is best enjoyed in moderation. (credit:Flickr:jessicafm)
Fenugreek(09 of11)
Open Image ModalCommonly used in Indian cuisine, fenugreek is used as both a herb and a spice and is said to be good for reducing cholesterol, improving the symptoms of diabetes and soothing menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms. (credit:Alamy)
Cupuaçu(10 of11)
Open Image ModalThis creamy-fleshed fruit, which is part of the cocoa family, is being billed as the new 'super fruit' with its high levels of antioxidants. It can found in health juices or in a pill. It is a rich source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, fatty acids and at least nine antioxidants (including Vitamins A and C). The fruit has a similar effect on the body as caffeine without the caffeine content, so it energises the body the natural way. You don't have to eat it to reap the benefits as it can be found in face and body creams too. (credit:MediaWiki)
Chia Seeds(11 of11)
Open Image ModalThese tiny brown seeds are packed with omega 3 fatty acids, great for maintaining healthy energy levels. They are also said to help lower blood pressure and the risk of inflammation, as well as helping slow down premature ageing by reducing the risk of free-radical damage to the skin. Sprinkle Chia seeds on salads, include them in your dipping sauces or salad dressings, throw them in stews or heat them up until they go soft and gel-like and then use as a spread for sandwiches or include in baking recipes. (credit:Flickr:little blue hen)