Oranges feature the perfect flavor profile. Their tasty combination of sweet and tart cannot be matched. They’re also incredibly healthy. Loaded with vitamin C, folate, and fiber, oranges are a healthy choice. In fact, just one orange provides 92% of your daily required intake of vitamin C. This essential nutrient is required for immune function, iron absorption, and much more. Unfortunately, they can sometimes be difficult to peel. And how do you know if you should peel them or just cut them into wedges and enjoy? Read on to find out the three best ways to cut an orange, and when you should use each option.
How to Tell if an Orange is Ripe
Before you cut into your orange, you’ll need to determine if it’s ripe. You don’t want to cut into an orange that needs a little more time to ripen. Ripe, juicy oranges are best when they’re enjoyed right at peak freshness. To determine this, you’ll need to pick up the orange and inspect it. A ripe orange should feel firm to the touch with no soft spots. Additionally, it should feel heavy for its size.
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Top 3 Ways to Cut an Orange
You may not know the best ways to peel or cut an orange. The thing is, it’s a lot actually easier to cut than you might imagine. Here are three ways to cut an orange:
1. Basic Hand Peeled Method
This method allows you to peel and separate the orange into sections quickly, but it only works on oranges that are easy to peel, such as the Navel orange. First, use a sharp knife to score a circle in the top and bottom of the orange’s skin. Then make shallow cuts down the sides. Next, remove the circle areas, then gently peel off the sides along the strips that you created.
Once you have a fully peeled orange, you can use your fingers to separate it in half. Then you can peel each section separated by the white membranes into pieces. This method removes the orange peel quickly and also keeps the juice inside the orange so it’s less messy to enjoy. It’s the ideal method for when you’re looking for a quick snack.
2. Peel with a Knife Method
This method is best for creating pristine pieces of orange for salads, on top of desserts, and other presentation methods. First, cut off the top and bottom of the orange peel. Then, stand the orange up on one of the ends and start to cut down the sides. Try to keep as much of the orange intact as possible and attempt to cut in a round shape.
Next, you can supreme the orange. To do this, you can use a paring knife to cut out the white membrane separating each segment of the orange. For larger disc-shaped pieces, slice the orange into wheels. These disc-shaped slices of oranges are great for decorations on a fruit tart or to top off a salad.
3. Keep the Peel on Method
This method is similar to the one above, except that you do not remove the peel at all. It’s perhaps the quickest method of all. Orange wedges are a popular treat, especially at kid’s sports events. You can also use the wedges as garnishes for cocktails. This type of cut is also popular for thinner-skinned oranges that are difficult to peel.
To do this cut, leave the peel on, and cut the orange in half. Then, cut into quarters and eighths. Alternatively, you can slice the orange to create rounds.
How to Store Orange After it is Cut
After you cut your orange, you can’t leave it at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. Instead, pack it in a sealed container and store it in the fridge. Enjoy it within two or three days for optimal freshness. You can also freeze freshly cut oranges to lengthen the time they’ll stay fresh. Just cut it, place it in a sealed freezer container, and you can store it for up to ten to twelve months.
Oranges might seem a little tricky to cut or peel. However, with a little know-how, you can cut and peel your favorite fruit with ease.
