The blood orange season is one of winter's shortest pleasures, lasting only a few weeks each year. Grown in Babylonstoren's orchards beneath crisp winter skies, these ruby-fleshed citrus fruits are prized for their sweet-tart flavour, vibrant colour and exceptional juiciness. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, blood oranges bring immunity-boosting brightness to the colder months, whether enjoyed fresh, juiced or transformed into seasonal preserves, bakes and dishes.
This winter, Babylonstoren invites visitors to make the most of this fleeting harvest with Squeeze the Season – a celebration of blood oranges through orchard experiences, a city festival and a dedicated day on the farm.
Upcoming events
- 4 and 5 July – Blood Orange Harvesting Weekends at Babylonstoren
- 25 and 26 July – Babylonstoren Blood Orange Festival at Oranjezicht City Farm Market, Cape Town
- 2 August – Blood Orange Day at Babylonstoren
Blood Orange Harvesting Weekend
Experience the orchard at the height of the harvest and pick your own blood oranges straight from the tree. Equipped with a Babylonstoren harvest box, guests can wander between rows of fruit-laden trees, hand-selecting their seasonal bounty while enjoying the beauty of the winter orchard. Harvesting sessions take place over two days during the school holidays, with morning and afternoon sessions available. Bookings can be made in advance via the Babylonstoren Events page.
Babylonstoren Blood Orange Festival at Oranjezicht City Farm Market
On 25 and 26 July, the celebration moves to Cape Town as Babylonstoren partners with Oranjezicht City FarmMarket for the inaugural Blood Orange Festival. Throughout the weekend, chefs, traders and artists will showcase the versatility of blood oranges through inventive dishes, drinks and creative interpretations of the season's signature fruit. From freshly pressed juice and tastings to inspired culinary creations, it's a celebration not to be missed by blood orange lovers in the city.
Blood Orange Day at Babylonstoren
The season culminates on Sunday, 2 August, with Blood Orange Day on the farm. Visitors can discover blood oranges in all their delicious forms – fresh, juiced, preserved, baked and churned into gelato. Tasting stations across the farm will celebrate the season's ruby-fleshed citrus, alongside demonstrations, garden activities and family-friendly experiences.
Whether you join us in the orchard, in the city or on the farm, Squeeze the Season is an invitation to savour one of the most cherished harvests of the year.
Fresh blood oranges, harvest boxes and a range of blood orange products will be available from the farm and online via shop.babylonstoren.com while stocks last at shop.babylonstoren.com