Blood oranges are most commonly found on beverage and cocktail menus, but the fruit has plenty of potential for dessert menus and in complimenting salads and proteins as a sauce or dressing.

Blood orange is in the Adoption stage. It’s gaining traction on menus but is still considered unique. The ingredient can be found at independent casual-dining and progressive fast-casual restaurants.

Mission Taco Joint, a six-unit chain based in St. Louis, Mo., serves Yucatecan Pork tacos — containing achiote-roasted pork, smashed black beans and lime pickled onions — with a blood orange habanero sauce.