6 Simple Things to Do with Oranges

Oranges are one of the go-to ingredients that many of us have in our fruit bowl or fridge. Sometimes they can fade into the background with other more startling and unusual fruits grabbing our attention. But that’s a shame because there’s so many things to do with oranges and they are really good for you. Let’s remind ourselves why we should love this simple citrus fruit.

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What are oranges?

Oranges are a zesty, juicy treat that many of us take for granted. But before you can enjoy that first sip of citrus-y, tangy delight, oranges must all start life as a botanical plant. Thought to have originated in Asia, the orange is a member of the citrus family – alongside lemons and limes – and is part of the vast but highly varied Rutaceae family.

Indeed, there are between seven and ten different types of orange tree in existence today, each bearing its own unique flavors, textures and even shapes. All that said – no matter which type of orange you prefer to snack on – they all contain those incredibly beneficial vitamins and minerals that we’ve all come to rely on so heavily!

With their vitamin C punch and easy-to-pack portability, it’s no wonder why oranges have become such an integral part of our diets. All hail the gloriously flavorful citrus!

What are the common varieties of orange?

Citrus fruits have been used in cooking around the world for centuries and oranges have become a favorite ingredient in many kitchens.

When it comes to selecting oranges for recipes, there are a variety of types available depending on the flavor and characteristics desired. Some of the most popular varieties include navel oranges, which are grown mainly in California, Florida and Texas.

Navels offer sweet flesh that is easy to peel and segment with no juice spillage. Other common types include Valencia oranges, which feature a higher acidity content than navels and therefore provide an extremely bright and flavorful juice. They also have thick skin, making them quite convenient for recipes like marmalade and sauces.

For an interesting burst of tartness, blood oranges may be used in salads or desserts. Finally, Cara Caras are relatively new to the market but offer a distinct sweetness that pairs perfectly with nut-based or creamy dishes.

With these four types of orange available, cooks can get creative with flavor combinations unique to their own culinary style! While each type has it own unique properties perfect for specific recipes, all oranges possess coveted nutritional benefits – so whether you find yourself using Valencias or Cara Caras in your kitchen creations it’s important not to forget about eating the fruit right out of hand as well!

How do you store fresh oranges?

Storing fresh oranges is an important part of making sure that you can enjoy their sweet and juicy taste for as long as possible. The key to proper citrus storage lies in understanding the enemies of fruit: moisture, light, heat and odors from other food.

To maximize shelf life, store oranges in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, such as a pantry or cupboard. If your home is warm due to climate or appliance-generated heat and humidity, keep oranges in the refrigerator.

Oranges should also be kept separate from onions and garlic whose odor can quickly penetrate the skin. Place them in a single layer and aim for consistent temperatures to reduce spoilage.

If you have more oranges than you anticipate eating in the next few days, they can also be easily frozen in zippered plastic bags and stored up to 12 months.

What’s a good substitute for oranges?

Oranges are a versatile fruit that can be used in sweet or savory dishes, as well as juices and smoothies. But while they’re a great choice for the kitchen and the juicer, there’s no one-size-fits-all substitute when it comes to replacing oranges.

The good news is that plenty of alternatives exist, so you can find something to suit any dish. For starters, tangerines make a great alternative to oranges, due to their bright flavor and easy-to-peel skin.

Grapefruit is another excellent option with its tart taste and juicy center, though it’s often stronger than oranges in terms of both sweetness and sourness. Lemons are popular too since their sharp acidity provides a different but equally delicious twist.

For those who don’t like citrus, other fruits such as mangoes, cranberries, pineapples, and watermelon can provide sweet refuge from the acidic orange taste.

Things to do with oranges

Orange zest for recipes

From cakes to salads, orange zest is the secret ingredient that can brighten and enhance any dish. But have you ever wondered how to make it? Making citrus zest is surprisingly easy and requires only two ingredients – oranges and a fine grater.

Before you begin, be sure to wash the oranges in cool water as this helps to remove any dirt or grit from the skin. Next, use the fine grater to gently scrape away at the upper layer of the orange peel.

Make sure not to grate too deep into the skin otherwise you’ll end up with some bitter pith mixed in with your zest. Take your time and after a few minutes, you’ll have enough orange zest for use in any recipe!

Once finished, store your orange zest in an airtight container in a cool dry place, where it will remain fresh for several weeks.

Orange water

Making orange water as a refreshing drink is incredibly easy, and it only requires a few ingredients! Start off by cutting one finished orange in half and squeezing the freshly juiced juice out of each half into a glass.

Next, fill the glass almost to the top with cold water – sparkling or still will work great. Finally, finely mince some mint leaves and drop them into your orange water, mixing until evenly distributed before taking a sip and enjoying!

The combination of sweet orange with fresh mint makes orange water a palate-pleasing beverage that’s sure to quench your thirst on even the hottest summer days. Plus, once you master the simple steps for creating this drink at home, you’ll be able to mix and match different fruits and herbs for unique flavor combinations – so get creative!

Orange oil

For those who love citrus and want to take DIY projects to a new level look no further than homemade orange oil! Making this flavorful extract is surprisingly simple and an amazing way to experience pure oranges at their peak.

All that’s needed are oranges, pure vodka, a sealable jar, cheesecloth, and some patience. Begin by cutting the oranges into quarters then place them in the jar. Fill the jar with vodka until the fruit is completely covered and tightly seal it.

Store it in a cool dark area for anywhere between two days and eight weeks – depending on how strong you’d like the flavor of your oil to be. When ready, use cheesecloth or another filter material to strain out any fruit chunks before bottling up your homemade orange oil!

Orange syrup

Ahhh, orange syrup! The sweet and tangy flavor of oranges combined with the velvety texture of syrup can create an exquisite dessert or snack.

Fortunately, making your own orange syrup is incredibly easy. All you need are a few oranges, some water, and the right ingredients. Start by peeling and segmenting the oranges and dividing them into two pots.

To one pot, add equal parts sugar and water, stir to dissolve the sugar, then bring it to a boil over medium heat. Simmer until the mixture has reduced by half before removing from heat and allowing it to cool for 10 minutes.

At this point, add 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice from the other pot of oranges and stir to combine all ingredients. Refrigerate overnight for best results.

Orange popsicles

There’s nothing like an orange popsicle to make you feel cool on a hot summer day. But why buy popsicles from the store when you can make your own? This delicious treat can be made with just a few simple ingredients.

First, squeeze fresh oranges until you have about 3 cups of juice. Next, stir in 1/4-cup of sugar, then add 1/2 cup of water and blend until mixed thoroughly. Pour the mixture into ice pop holders and place it in the freezer for at least 6 hours, or until they are solid.

In no time at all you will have homemade orange popsicles that taste as sweet and refreshing as homemade lemonade.

Orange salsa

Orange salsa is a delicious, citrusy condiment that’s the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican-inspired meal. To make it, start by gathering the following ingredients: 4 oranges, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1 serrano pepper (or jalapeno if you prefer the milder version).

Once you have these together, proceed to roughly chop the oranges and add them to a medium bowl. Next, add the onions and lime juice. Then finely dice up your pepper before adding it to the mix.

Give everything a good stir then taste to adjust the seasoning and heat level if necessary. Finally, chill for around 30 minutes before serving as desired.

More recipes to make with oranges