Description
Bream Tarocco is a sweet blood orange selection from the Tarocco group, traditionally grown for fresh eating and juice. It is known for balanced flavor, moderate acidity, and aromatic flesh rather than extreme pigmentation.
Flesh color varies by climate and season, ranging from light blush to deeper red when cool nights support pigment development. Unlike darker blood orange types, Tarocco selections are prized primarily for eating quality, offering sweetness and complexity without sharp acidity.
The tree ripens fruit in mid- to late winter and produces reliably in regions suited to sweet oranges. Bream Tarocco is well suited for growers who want blood orange character with consistent flavor and versatility.
Overview
- Primary use: Fresh eating and juice
- Flavor profile: Sweet, aromatic, balanced acidity
- Color: Variable blood coloration depending on climate
- Ripening window: Mid- to late winter
- Best fit: Home orchards and container growers seeking high-quality blood oranges
Growing Details
Botanical Name: Citrus sinensis ’Bream Tarocco’
Origin: Tarocco blood orange group from Sicily; U. S. selection associated with C. M. Bream introductions
Site and Soil: Full sun; well-drained soil
Rootstock: 1-gallon trees on Flying Dragon; larger sizes on C-35
Hardiness: Best suited to USDA Zones 8–11; fruit damage often begins around ~26°F, with increased risk to the tree during prolonged cold below this range
Bearing Age: Often fruits immediately; grafted trees may produce in their first season
Size at Maturity:
• Flying Dragon: Compact, container-friendly habit
• C-35: Compact to medium-sized citrus tree
Note: Final size is influenced by pruning and container culture.
Bloom Time: Spring (timing varies by climate)
Ripening Time: Mid- to late winter; timing varies by region
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile
Pests & Diseases: Similar to other sweet oranges; good airflow and drainage help reduce issues
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Tarocco blood oranges are traditionally valued for flavor first. Color intensity varies year to year, but eating quality remains the defining strength of this group.
- Regional Insight: In cooler winter regions with good day-night temperature swings, Bream Tarocco is more likely to develop deeper internal color, though excellent flavor is present even in lighter-colored fruit.
