All About Oranges

All About Oranges

Oranges can be sour, sweet and mostly always juicy!  After all you do get Orange Juice from oranges.  Most American oranges come from Florida.  Florida oranges will have a thin skin and plenty of easily squeezable juice.  California oranges are the best to just eat straight up, although there’s no orange that isn’t great for snacking.

Carrot, Orange, Ginger Juice from Rachel Cooks

FUN FACT:  Navel oranges are named after belly buttons.  Why?  This is because the side opposite of the stem side looks exactly like our belly button. 

We love that you can enjoy so many parts of the orange.  The zest is great for many recipes!

Orange Honey Butter, Know Your Produce

WHEN ARE ORANGES IN SEASON?  While oranges may be available year round, their peak season is October through early April.  (The colder months)

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GROW AN ORANGE TREE?  An orange tree can produce fruit as early as 3 years old.  Keep in mind a fully grown orange tree may end up being anywhere from 20-30 feet tall.  You can try Semi-Dwarf (10-15 feet) or Dwarf Trees (5-10 feet) if height would be an issue.

HOW TO STORE ORANGES  You can store oranges for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or a few days on the counter.  Keep in mind that an orange at room temperature will produce more juice.

HOW TO CHOOSE ORANGES When purchasing oranges you want ones that are firm and heavy.  It’s best to find one without any deep pits and rather smooth all around.  Never purchase an orange that feels like a sponge or has soft spots.

 Citrus Caprese Salad with Honey Vinaigrette – the view from great island

CAN YOU FREEZE ORANGES There’s no reason why you can’t freeze oranges.  You’ll preserve all the essential nutrients, antioxidants, folate and immune boosting vitamin C.  We can’t say that you can enjoy a frozen orange like you would a fresh but you can still preserve them.  Frozen oranges are great for smoothies and whole juices.  The way we freeze them is by removing the peel and freezing the segments.  You could also cut the orange in half (be sure to clean it with fruit and veggie spray) and then freezing the halves for juicing later.  Frozen oranges are great for juicing, try our Homemade Orangeade Recipe!

HOW TO USE ORANGES Our favorite way to enjoy oranges is snacking on them whole.  We love to make fresh squeezed orange juice, orangeade, in smoothies and even sauces.  There’s no wrong way to use an orange.  Oranges are excellent in recipes from breakfast to dinner and especially dessert.  We hope you enjoyed reading All About Oranges!

Here’s a few FRESH PICKED recipes that we’re diggin’

Homemade Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream // Super Healthy Kids

Homemade Orangeade // Know Your Produce

Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken // Courtney’s Sweets

Spiced Candied Orange Peel // Cafe Johnsonia

Mandarin Orange Jam // girlichef

Orange Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pancakes // Two Peas and Their Pod

Honey Orange Glazed Chicken // Bloomi

Orange Thyme Grilled Shrimp // Yummy Healthy Easy

Orange Sherbert // Baked By Rachel

Citrus Sunrise Smoothie // Spoonful of Flavor

Find more on our Pinterest Orange Recipes board

Follow Know Your Produce’s board Orange Recipes on Pinterest.