Oranges are a delicious and also nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed in a combination of ways. However, when you find yourself with a bunch of oranges, it can be overwhelming to think of all the ways to use them. Fortunately, there are many creative ideas for what to do with a bunch of oranges that go beyond just eating them. In this blog post, we are exploring the health benefits of oranges, culinary and non-culinary uses for them, and ways to preserve them.
What are the Health Benefits of Oranges?
Oranges are packed with nutrients and can provide numerous health benefits. One of the most well-known benefits of oranges is their high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is one of the essential nutrients that helps to support a healthy immune system and can help to prevent or reduce the severity of illnesses like the common cold.
Oranges also contain other antioxidants that can help to protect against chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Incorporating oranges into your diet can also promote a healthy lifestyle. Oranges are low in calories along with high in fiber. Additionally, they are a great source of hydration, which is important for maintaining good health.
Other health benefits of oranges are below:
- High vitamin C content supports a healthy immune system and can help to prevent or reduce the severity of illnesses such as common cold.
- Other antioxidants can help to protect against chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
- Great source of hydration, which is important for maintaining good health.
- Can improve digestion and relieve constipation due to their high fiber content.
- May help to lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
- Can help to regulate (diabetic) blood sugar levels due to their low glycemic index.
- Contains potassium which helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
- May reduce inflammation in the body due to their antioxidant content.
- Can help to promote healthy (glowing) skin due to its high vitamin C content, which is important for collagen production.
What To Do With A Bunch Of Oranges: Culinary Uses of Oranges
Oranges can be a versatile ingredient in the kitchen, lending their bright, citrusy flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. Here are a few popular culinary uses for oranges (or details on what to do with a bunch of oranges):
Orange Chicken
This dish is a popular Chinese takeout option that combines crispy chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. To make it at home, you’ll need chicken breast, cornstarch, egg, oil, and a sauce made from orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
Orange-Glazed Salmon
The rich flavor of salmon pairs combine perfectly with the tangy sweetness of the orange glaze. To make the glaze, you’ll need orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Brush the glaze onto the salmon before baking or grilling for a delicious meal.
Orange Pound Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that uses up a lot of oranges, try making an orange-pound cake. The orange zest and juice give the cake a bright, citrusy flavor that is sure to impress.
Orange Salad
Oranges can be a refreshing addition to a salad, adding both flavor and nutrition. Simply slice the oranges and toss them with your favorite greens, like arugula or spinach. Add some sliced almonds, feta cheese, and a simple dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, and orange juice for a delicious and healthy salad.
Orange Marmalade
If you’re looking for a way to preserve your oranges for later use, try making orange marmalade. This sweet spread can be enjoyed on toast, scones, or biscuits. To make it, you’ll need oranges, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
These are just a few ideas for using up a bunch of oranges in the kitchen. With their bright, citrusy flavor, oranges can be a delicious addition to dishes.
What To Do With A Bunch Of Oranges: Non-Culinary Uses of Oranges
Orange peel candles
Cut the orange peel in half and fill it with oil and a wick to create a lovely fragrance.
Cleaning
The natural oils (present in the orange peel) can help to remove stains and grime from surfaces around your home.
Bird feeders
Cut the orange peel in half, remove the fruit, and fill it with birdseed. Hang it up outside for the birds to enjoy.
Potpourri
Dry out the orange peels and use them in a potpourri mix for a refreshing scent.
Air freshener
Boil orange peels in water and add some spices like cinnamon or cloves for a natural air freshener.
Insect repellent
Rub orange peels on your skin or place them around your home to repel insects like mosquitoes and ants.
Moisturizer
Rub the inside (inner skin)of an orange peel on your skin to hydrate and refresh dry skin.
Compost
Orange peels are rich in nutrients and make a great addition to compost.
How to Preserve Oranges?
Once you know what to do with a bunch of oranges, it’s time to preserve them for future usage. If you find yourself with more oranges than you can use up quickly, there are several ways to preserve them for later use. One way to do this is to store them properly. Oranges can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Another way to preserve oranges is to make orange marmalade or orange jam. These spreads are a great way to use up a lot of oranges at once and can be enjoyed on toast, scones, or biscuits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a bunch of oranges can provide many creative and delicious ideas for use. Whether you are looking for culinary or non-culinary uses (or simply what to do with a bunch of oranges), there are plenty of options to explore.
Incorporating oranges into your diet can also provide numerous health benefits, including improved immunity and hydration. Finally, if you find yourself with more oranges than you can use up, there are several ways to preserve them for later use.
So next time you find yourself confused about what to do with a bunch of oranges, get creative and try out some of these ideas!