What to do with too many oranges? This article tells you the answer!
Oranges, with their vibrant color and sweet-tangy flavor, are a beloved fruit enjoyed by many. However, there are times when an abundance of oranges can leave you wondering what to do with them all. Whether you’ve harvested a surplus from your own tree or found a great deal at the market, there are numerous creative ways to put those oranges to good use. From refreshing beverages to mouthwatering dishes, this article explores a variety of options to help you make the most of your citrus bounty.
Nutrition Facts of Oranges
Oranges are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health. Here are the approximate nutrition facts for a medium-sized orange (about 131 grams):
Calories: 62
Carbohydrates: 15.4 grams
Dietary Fiber: 3.1 grams
Sugars: 12.2 grams
Protein: 1.2 grams
Fat: 0.2 grams
Vitamin C: 70 milligrams (117% of the Daily Value)
Vitamin A: 295 International Units (6% of the Daily Value)
Folate: 39 micrograms (10% of the Daily Value)
Potassium: 232 milligrams (7% of the Daily Value)
Thiamine (Vitamin B1): 0.1 milligrams (5% of the Daily Value)
Calcium: 52 milligrams (5% of the Daily Value)
Vitamin B6: 0.1 milligrams (4% of the Daily Value)
Magnesium: 10 milligrams (2% of the Daily Value)
See Also: Top 18 Vitamin C-Rich Fruits
Culinary Uses for Oranges: Delicious Recipes
1. Fresh and Flavorful Beverages
Orange Juice: Start with the classic. Freshly squeezed orange juice is a refreshing way to kick-start your day. It can also serve as a base for other beverages like smoothies and mocktails.
Orange Smoothies: Blend orange juice with other fruits like bananas, strawberries, and mangoes to create nutritious and delicious smoothies. Add yogurt or almond milk for extra creaminess.
Citrus Infused Water: Slice oranges and add them to a pitcher of water along with other citrus fruits, cucumber, and mint. Enjoy a naturally flavored and hydrating beverage.
2. Delectable Desserts
Orange Sorbet: Make a delightful frozen treat by blending orange juice with a touch of sugar or honey. Freeze the mixture and enjoy a citrusy sorbet on hot days.
Orange Zest in Baking: The zest of oranges adds a burst of flavor to cakes, cookies, and muffins. Incorporate it into your favorite baked goods for a fragrant twist.
Candied Orange Peel: Don’t let the peel go to waste. Candied orange peel is a sweet treat that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a garnish for desserts.
Orange Curd: Whip up a velvety orange curd to use as a spread for toast, filling for tarts, or a topping for pancakes and waffles.
3. Savory Delights
Citrus-Marinated Chicken: Create a marinade using orange juice, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Marinate chicken before grilling or roasting for a tangy and flavorful dish.
Orange-Glazed Salmon: For a touch of elegance, prepare an orange glaze using orange zest, juice, honey, and soy sauce. Brush it over salmon fillets and bake for a delightful meal.
Orange Salad Dressing: Mix fresh orange juice with olive oil, vinegar, and a hint of Dijon mustard to create a vibrant and zesty salad dressing.
4. Homemade Preserves and Condiments
Orange Marmalade: Turn surplus oranges into a delightful marmalade that can be spread on toast or used as a glaze for meats.
Orange Chutney: Combine diced oranges with spices, vinegar, and sugar to create a flavorful chutney that pairs well with cheeses, roasted meats, and sandwiches.
See Also: Navel Orange vs. Blood Orange: A Citrus Showdown
Household Uses for Oranges
Oranges are not only delicious to eat, but their peels and extracts also have various household uses. Here are some creative ways to utilize oranges around the house:
1. Natural Air Freshener: Dry orange peels and place them in a bowl or sachet to naturally freshen the air in your home. The citrus scent can help mask odors and create a pleasant ambiance.
2. DIY Cleaner: Make a natural all-purpose cleaner by infusing white vinegar with orange peels. The citrus oils in the peels can help cut through grease and grime on surfaces.
3. Garbage Disposal Deodorizer: Drop a few small pieces of orange peel into your garbage disposal and run it to help neutralize odors and leave a fresh scent.
4. Potpourri: Create your own potpourri by combining dried orange slices with other aromatic elements like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and dried flowers. Place the mixture in bowls or sachets around your home.
5. Citrus Candle Holders: Hollow out an orange half and use it as a natural and fragrant candle holder. The candlelight will shine through the orange peel, creating a cozy and aromatic atmosphere.
6. Insect Repellent: Rub fresh orange peels on your skin to help repel mosquitoes and other insects due to their natural citrus oils.
7. Stovetop Freshener: Simmer orange peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a pot of water on the stovetop to infuse your home with a warm and inviting scent.
8. Drawer Freshener: Place dried orange peels in drawers, cabinets, or closets to keep your clothes and linens smelling fresh.
9. Refrigerator Deodorizer: Place a small bowl of dried orange peel or a cotton ball soaked in orange essential oil in your refrigerator to help absorb and neutralize odors.
10. Fire Starter: Dried orange peels can be used as a natural fire starter for fireplaces or bonfires due to their flammable nature.
11. Scouring Agent: Sprinkle dried and ground orange peels on greasy or sticky surfaces before scrubbing. The abrasive texture can help remove stubborn stains.
12. Natural Polish: The inside of an orange peel can be used to polish stainless steel and other metal surfaces, leaving them shiny and clean.
13. Cat Deterrent: Cats dislike the smell of citrus. Scatter dried orange peels around areas you want to keep cat-free, such as plant beds or furniture.
Beauty and Skincare Uses for Oranges
1. Exfoliating Scrub: Create a homemade exfoliating scrub by mixing orange zest (finely grated peel) with a natural exfoliant like sugar or oatmeal. Gently massage the mixture onto your face and body to remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother skin.
2. Skin Brightening Mask: Make a skin-brightening face mask by mixing fresh orange juice with a tablespoon of honey or yogurt. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for about 15 minutes before rinsing off. The vitamin C in oranges can help promote a brighter complexion.
3. Natural Toner: Mix equal parts of freshly squeezed orange juice and distilled water to create a natural toner. Apply it to your face using a cotton pad to help balance your skin’s pH and refresh your complexion.
4. Acne Treatment: Apply a small amount of fresh orange juice to acne-prone areas using a cotton swab. The natural acids in oranges can help control excess oil and prevent breakouts.
5. Skin Hydration: Create a hydrating face mask by blending orange juice with aloe vera gel. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. This can help moisturize and rejuvenate your skin.
6. Anti-Aging Benefits: The antioxidants in oranges, including vitamin C, can help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals and promote collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity.
7. Nail Health: Rubbing a piece of orange peel on your nails can help strengthen and condition them, making them less prone to breakage.
8. Lip Scrub: Mix orange zest with coconut oil and sugar to create a natural lip scrub. Gently massage the scrub onto your lips to exfoliate and soften them.
9. Aromatherapy: Inhaling the uplifting aroma of orange essential oil can help reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue.
10. Dark Circle Remedy: Mix a small amount of orange juice with a few drops of glycerin and apply it to the under-eye area. The vitamin C and hydration can help reduce the appearance of dark circles.
11. Skin Irritation Relief: Applying orange juice diluted with water can help soothe skin irritation and redness due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
12. Sunburn Soother: Mix aloe vera gel with a few drops of fresh orange juice and apply it to sunburned areas. The cooling and soothing properties can provide relief.
13. Hair Rinse: After shampooing, rinse your hair with a mixture of water and fresh orange juice to add shine and remove product buildup.
14. Astringent Properties: The natural astringent properties of oranges can help tighten and tone the skin, reducing the appearance of large pores.
Gardening Uses for Oranges
1. Pest Repellent: Scatter orange peels around your garden to help deter certain pests like ants and aphids. The strong citrus scent can discourage them from invading your plants.
2. Composting: Add orange peels to your compost pile. They are rich in organic matter and nutrients, contributing to the overall health of your compost and improving soil structure.
3. Soil Amendment: Blend dried and ground orange peels into a fine powder and mix it with your soil. The peels can help improve soil aeration, drainage, and water retention.
4. Seedling Starter Pots: Hollowed-out orange halves can be used as biodegradable seedling starter pots. Once the seedlings are ready, you can transplant the entire pot into the ground, reducing transplant shock.
5. Bug Attractant for Beneficial Insects: Certain beneficial insects, like butterflies, are attracted to the scent of oranges. Placing orange peels near your garden can help attract these pollinators.
6. Cat Deterrent: Cats often dislike the smell of citrus. Placing orange peels around your garden beds can help keep cats from using them as litter boxes.
7. Bird Feeder Decor: String orange slices on a string and hang them in your garden to attract birds. The birds may enjoy pecking at the slices and potentially help control garden pests.
Conclusion
An abundance of oranges is an opportunity to explore the culinary possibilities that this versatile fruit offers. From beverages and desserts to savory dishes and household items, there’s no shortage of ways to put those oranges to good use. So, roll up your sleeves, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy the flavors and aromas of this vibrant citrus fruit in a multitude of ways. Whether you’re enjoying the natural sweetness of fresh orange juice or experimenting with homemade preserves, embracing the versatility of oranges is a delicious and rewarding endeavor.