That amazing citrus smell that awakens your senses and makes you feel alive! Yup, I’m talking about oranges! These aromatic jewels of nature’s candy can range from sweet to sour or bitter in flavor. Oranges can be used for both savory and sweet culinary dishes, as well as having a place within other areas of the household. Hop over to P.E.A.C.E. (People Excited About Co-Existence) to read about making your own Homemade Orange and Vinegar Household Cleaner.
One of the things that I love about oranges is that each piece of it (with maybe the exception of the pith –the bitter white area inside the orange) has a use. The peel, the flesh, and the juice all have wonderful uses in a wide variety of recipes –or just for eating or drinking in the purest of forms.
When choosing oranges, make sure that they are firm and heavy for their size. Thin skinned oranges will be juicer than thick-skinned varieties. Also, the smaller the fruit the sweeter they tend to be. They will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator just as well as they will at room temperature. The important thing is to not store them in an unperforated plastic bag. The moisture gets trapped inside and causes mold growth.
Sweet varieties of oranges include Navel, Blonde, Blood, and Valencia. The most common variety of bitter oranges is Seville. These are more often used for making marmalades and jams.
Below are some great dishes from Green Door Hospitality that include Oranges (or orange juice). Simply click on the image to be taken to recipe!
Glad to see these citrus beauties in the spotlight. I love oranges! All the recipes sound and look wonderful.
Thanks Suzanne!
Thanks Kenley, there is nothing better than the smell of citrus, I will definitely try the household cleaner~
Jenna
Thanks Jenna. I’ve sent you a couple links to a post that I wrote a couple weeks ago. In it, I share that my name is actually Jessica. Please read when you have a moment. Thanks so much for all of your friendship and support. https://greendoorhospitality.wordpress.com/2014/02/07/a-rose-by-any-other-name/
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Jessica, all your recipes look delicious.. I think I’ll start with the dressing for tonight. Thanks so much for sharing this informative and inspiring post, and for the laughs over the distraught orange (Mom?!). And bless your heart for including a link over to my place. Big hugs, Gina
Thanks Gina and you’re quite welcome! 🙂
Jessica
I love that funny picture. Chinese dry the orange skins and at it to beef broth plus many other recipes. It’s a very useful ingredient other than a great fruit on its own. Lovely post Jessica. Warmly, danny
Thanks Danny!
I love these ingredient spotlight posts. So many new ideas for produce I’ve used a million times before. Thanks for constantly breathing new life into cooking and baking!
Thanks so much Caitlin! 🙂