Orange
Oranges add sweet citrus notes that brighten dishes.
Flavor profile
Aroma: citrus, sweet, fresh
Good to know
Origin: China
Forms: fresh, juice, zest
Storage: Store in a cool place or refrigerate to maintain juiciness and freshness.
How to use orange
The zest holds the aroma
The peel is loaded with limonene oil, which is where most of the orange smell comes from. Grate only the colored part.
Citrus Balance
Acid levels balance flavor, while segments add juiciness.
What goes with orange
- Duck. Orange's acidity cuts through duck's fat, a classic balance.
- Clove. Clove’s warmth deepens the citrus brightness of orange.
- Beet. Orange acidity balances the earthy sweetness of beet, adding a bright contrast.
- Cocoa. Limonene in orange brightens cocoa's dark richness.
- Vanilla. Vanilla's sweet perfume rounds out orange's citrus oils.
- Cardamom. Orange's acidity highlights the floral quality of cardamom.
- Fennel Seed. Fennel seed's sweet aroma echoes the citrusy notes of orange.
- Fennel Bulb. Fennel's anise aroma contrasts orange's bright citrus.
- Coffee. Orange's bright acid and citrus oil contrast with coffee's dark roast.
- Coriander Seed. Coriander seed and orange share citrusy linalool notes, so each echoes the other.
Mistakes to avoid
- Pith increases bitterness due to naringin.
- Segments dry out if exposed too long.
Ideas for tonight
- Orange chicken
- Orange and spinach salad
- Orange glazed carrots
Orange: questions
What does orange taste like?
Oranges add sweet citrus notes that brighten dishes. Its strongest notes are citrus, sweet, with an aroma that is citrus, sweet, fresh.
What goes well with orange?
Orange pairs best with duck, clove, beet, cocoa, vanilla. Orange's acidity cuts through duck's fat, a classic balance.
How do you use orange in cooking?
The zest holds the aroma: the peel is loaded with limonene oil, which is where most of the orange smell comes from. Grate only the colored part.
How should you store orange?
Store in a cool place or refrigerate to maintain juiciness and freshness.
What is the most common mistake with orange?
Pith increases bitterness due to naringin.
