What Are Oranges?
This may come as a surprise, but there are over 400 different varieties of oranges. From the common navel to the mandarin orange, you can easily find a flavor that suits your palate!
Typically, oranges fall into two categories — sweet or sour. Whether one or the other, all oranges are tree-borne fruits that originally come from China.
Often overlooked, oranges are not just a delicious snack. With so many ways to prepare them, they can be utilized in salads, oatmeal bowls, smoothies, juices, marmalades, and more.
How to Cut an Orange
There are so many different techniques to prepare oranges, but I’ve included some of the most versatile and useful methods in this guide. Learn how to cut oranges into wedges, supreme them, cut them in wheels, or simply peel them for a quick snack when you’re on the go.
Option 1: peeled wedges
Find an indent line on the top of the orange (it will make piercing the peel easier). Using your hands, press down until you break the peel and feel the fruit underneath. Don’t press too hard or you will break right through the flesh!
Lift up near the stem until the top peels away (see middle photo). Continue peeling the rind and pith (white part) away, then split the orange in half. Separate each orange wedge from the others and snack away!
If you own a citrus peel cutter, this can be helpful to score the orange peel and get the process started. However, most people don’t usually carry this kitchen tool around with them when they’re out and about, and using your hands is quite simple!
Option 2: Supremed
Using a sharp utility knife, trim away both ends of the orange. Stand it up on one end, then slice from top to bottom all around the orange where the rind/pith meets the flesh. Try to follow the shape of the orange to waste as little fruit as possible. Once the majority of the peel has been cut away, go back around and slice away any small bits of pith. Hold the orange in the palm of your hand, and slice along the inside edge of each membrane to cut out orange wedges.
Option 3: Wheels
Instead of supreming the orange, you can slice it into peeled orange wheels. Turn the orange on its side, then cut slices as thickly or thinly as you’d prefer. Peeled orange slices make a colorful addition to salads, cocktail garnishes, and more!
Option 4: Unpeeled orange wedges
Last, but not least, is unpeeled orange wedges. Just like supreming, trim away the top and bottom portions, then stand the orange up and slice it in half. Turn each half to face down, then cut it into quarters. Cut the quarters in half again to make wedges. If there is a white membrane running along the tops of the wedges, slice this away (see top right photo).
Storing Oranges
Whether you prefer your oranges to be room temperature or chilled, follow these simple orange storage tips to keep them fresh for longer:
Room temperature: Oranges tend to be juicier if stored on the countertop. Keep them at room temperature for about 7 days. Fridge: If you need more time or just enjoy them ice-cold on a hot summer day, you can store oranges in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Just be sure to keep them in the produce drawer. Freezer: When freezing oranges, it’s best to remove as much of the pith as you can, quarter them, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 6 months. Cut slices: If you’ve already cut up your oranges, keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
How to Pick Perfect Oranges
Oranges are a fairly forgiving fruit in comparison to other fruits, but here are some tips to pick the best ones when you’re at the store:
Weight: Pick an orange up to check how heavy it feels. If it has a good weight to it, this means it will be juicy! Peel: The peel should be a uniform orange color with no soft spots, dark marks, or mold visible. The peel shouldn’t feel too spongy either.
