I stuck up a Twitter correspondence with the owner of I.O Organics ,Organic Blood Orange Juice. He kindly sent me two bottles for review. I love Blood oranges and to see a product like this naturally intrigued me. Produced on his families farm in Mineo, Sicily, the juice provides 40% more than the FDA recommended amounts of vitamin C. That’s more than the average orange. Potassium, fiber, iron,calcium, and Vitamin A round out the health benefits.

I was worried this would be a sugary drink. Absolutely not! The flavor was crisp and tart, while naturally sweet. One can drink this alone, or make a wonderful cocktail.

Of course my unoriginal self immediately used some of the juice for a healthy orange chicken.This chicken is not fried and cooks slow to produce a slow reduction of Blood Orange Juice , molasses, and brown sugar, Toss in some fresh Broccoli to roast and you have a healthy version of Orange Chicken.

Glamah’s Not Your Food Court Orange Chicken

1 cup I.O ORGANICS Blood Orange Juice

4 chicken thighs ( bone in)

1 head of fresh broccoli

1.3 cup molasses

1/3 cup rice wine vinegar

1/2 cup brown sugar

sea salt to taste

Fresh ground pepper to taste

pinch of Cayenne Pepper

1 tsp ground Ginger

In a heavy duty enameled cast iron pan toss all ingredients and add chicken. It will be liquidy. Slowly roast uncovered at 350 degrees F until liquid starts to reduce and thicken. It will take approx 45 depending on your oven. At the 30 minute stage you can add Fresh Broccoli to the pan to roast in the liquids and with the chicken. When the chicken looks about done, you can turn up the oven temp to 475 to help the juices/liquid caramelize and glaze the chicken. Remove from oven and enjoy. Serve with rice.

I also made a cocktail. Its sub zero here in Chicago and the Blood Orange Juice evoked feelings of sunshine for me.

Banana Blood Orangetini

2 parts I.O Blood Orange Juice

1 part vodka

1 part Banana Rum

Combine all ingredients in a martin shaker with ice and serve in a frosted glass.

You can find more information of I.O Organics Blood Orange Juice here.