Fresh Orange Juice
How to Make Delicious Orange Juice at Home: From Preparing Oranges to Juicing
Think oranges are tricky to peel and prepare? Think again! Discover simple, effective ways to enjoy this juicy citrus fruit, perfect for a refreshing drink. Oranges, with their thick peels, become incredibly delicious and easy to eat once you know how to prepare them. Let’s savor the delightful taste of oranges!
Ingredients- 3-4 fresh oranges
- 2 Tbsp baking soda (for washing)
- Pinch of coarse salt (for washing)
- Ice cubes, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, proper cleaning is key! Sprinkle the oranges with 2 tablespoons of baking soda and gently rub the peel. Then, fill a bowl with enough water to submerge the oranges and let them soak for 5-10 minutes. After soaking, rinse them thoroughly under running water. For an extra clean peel, lightly rub them again with a pinch of coarse salt to remove any remaining residue.
Step 2
Let’s start with the most basic way to cut an orange. Begin by slicing off the top and bottom ends of each orange to create flat surfaces. This will allow you to stand the orange upright for easier cutting.
Step 3
Now, cut each orange in half. Carefully slice out the white pith from the center of each half. Then, cut each half into four wedges. If you notice any seeds, remove them at this stage. These wedges are perfect for eating as is or for juicing.
Step 4
Gently insert your knife between the flesh and the peel. Carefully slice along the curve of the fruit to separate the juicy segments from the peel. The goal here is to remove the flesh cleanly, leaving the peel behind.
Step 5
To make the segments easy to pop into your mouth or to prepare them for juicing, I’ve cut each separated segment in half. Enjoy them this way, or proceed to the next steps for delicious fresh juice!
Step 6
Here’s a second method for preparing your oranges. Similar to the first method, trim off the top and bottom ends. Then, stand the orange upright. Insert your knife between the peel and the flesh and carefully follow the curve of the orange, slicing off the peel in a round motion. This technique requires a bit of practice to get a nice clean peel.
Step 7
Once the peel is removed, cut the orange flesh in half, remove any remaining pith or seeds, and then slice it into uniform, bite-sized half-moon shapes. This method yields neatly sectioned orange pieces.
Step 8
Ready to make some incredibly refreshing homemade orange juice? Start by cutting the prepared oranges in half. Cutting them with the peel on is ideal for juicing.
Step 9
Using a manual juicer or a blender, extract the juice from the orange halves. A manual juicer will preserve the freshest, most vibrant flavor. If using a blender, be careful to avoid blending any seeds.
Step 10
Fill your serving glass generously with ice cubes to ensure a cool and refreshing drink. For an extra touch of elegance, slice a thin round of orange and use it as a garnish. It looks beautiful and adds to the fresh aroma.
Step 11
Pour the freshly squeezed orange juice over the ice in your glass. If you prefer a smoother texture without any pulp, strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring.
Step 12
Finally, garnish your orange juice with a thin orange slice and a sprig of fresh herb. This simple addition elevates your homemade juice to café-worthy presentation. Perfect for a special treat or a delightful brunch accompaniment!
