What Is Bitter Orange?
Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) is a citrus fruit that resembles an orange but tastes very sour and bitter; it is also known as sour orange. It is recognized by its thick, porous, aromatic peel.
Because it is sour and bitter, it is not eaten raw like an orange; its main value lies in its peel and aroma. In Turkish cuisine, it is best known for bitter orange jam and marmalade made from its peel, as well as its sour juice and the water distilled from its blossoms (orange blossom water).
Nutritional Values of Bitter Orange
Bitter orange is generally not eaten directly, and its peel and juice are used in small amounts, so its nutritional contribution is limited. Like other citrus fruits, it contains vitamin C and aromatic compounds; its sugar content is higher when made into jam.
What Are the Benefits of Bitter Orange?
Bitter orange is a citrus fruit that contains vitamin C and aromatic oils; its peel and blossoms are traditionally used for their fragrance. When eaten as jam, it is high in sugar, so moderate consumption is recommended.
This information is general; bitter orange is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Bitter Orange
Bitter oranges for preserves have thick, glossy, unblemished, strongly scented peel. Choose fruit that is large and plump for its weight and has no surface blemishes.
- The peel should be thick, glossy, and strongly scented
- The fruit should be large, plump, and firm
- The surface should be unblemished and not soft
How to Store Bitter Orange
Whole bitter oranges keep for a few weeks in the refrigerator; the peel can also be grated and dried or stored mixed with sugar. Bitter orange jam keeps for a long time in a sealed jar.
Using Bitter Orange in the Kitchen
Bitter orange is used mainly for peel-based jam and marmalade; its sour juice and grated peel are also used to flavor desserts and baked goods. The peel is also candied.
How to Make Bitter Orange Jam
The bitter orange peels are rolled and threaded onto a string, soaked in water for a few days until their bitterness is drawn out, and boiled; they are then cooked in sugar syrup to make a thick, fragrant jam.
How to Remove Bitterness from Bitter Orange
Soak the peels in cold water for a few days, changing the water regularly; this process removes much of the bitter compounds in the peel.
What Recipes Use Bitter Orange?
Bitter orange jam, bitter orange marmalade, candied bitter orange peel, and bitter orange juice used for acidity are among its best-known uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn’t bitter orange eaten raw?
The flesh is very sour and the peel is bitter; therefore, it is not eaten directly like an orange, but is processed into jam or marmalade or used for its aroma.
Is bitter orange the same as an orange?
They are related but not the same; oranges are sweet and eaten raw, while bitter oranges are sour and bitter and are used after processing. Bitter orange is an ancestor of many citrus fruits.
Is orange blossom water made from bitter orange?
Yes; traditional orange blossom water is usually made by distilling the blossoms of bitter orange and is used to flavor desserts.
How is candied bitter orange peel made?
The bitterness is removed from the peels, which are cooked in sugar syrup and dried; they are coated with granulated sugar to make a crisp confection.
When is bitter orange available?
Bitter orange is a winter fruit; it ripens in winter along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts and is available for making preserves during this period.