Oranges often take centre stage during the colder months when citrus trees begin to bear fruit across many South African gardens. Whether you’ve stocked up at your local market or have an orange tree heavy with fruit, it’s easy to find yourself with more oranges than you can eat. Instead of letting them go to waste, consider a few creative and sustainable ways to extend their shelf life and enjoy their flavour throughout the season.
ALSO SEE: Jam and coconut slices
Make your own orange jam
Homemade orange jam is a delicious way to use up a surplus of citrus, even though it’s not commonly found on supermarket shelves. It has a tangy, vibrant flavour and pairs beautifully with toast, scones or warm bread. Start by peeling a few oranges and segmenting them. You can include some of the peel for added zest and a marmalade-like texture. Simmer the oranges in water with a generous spoonful of sugar and a dash of syrup until they soften. Once the mixture has thickened, blend it for a smoother finish and store it in sterilised glass jars. Keep the jam in the fridge or a cool pantry for later use.
Dry orange slices for snacks and drinks
Dehydrated orange slices are a wonderful way to preserve citrus while adding a decorative and flavourful twist to food and drinks. Thinly slice your oranges and place them on a lined baking tray. Dry them in a low oven for an hour or two until the slices are crisp but still retain their colour. Once dried, they can be used to garnish drinks like mocktails and cocktails, or simply enjoyed as a tangy snack. Stored in an airtight container, they last for weeks and retain their natural sweetness and scent.
Enjoy homemade orange juice or let it ferment
Juicing is one of the easiest ways to preserve oranges, whether you prefer a pulp-rich blend or a smoother texture. Simply peel and blend your oranges for a refreshing, vitamin-packed drink. For a more adventurous twist, ferment your juice by adding a pinch of yeast and letting it rest for several days. This process creates a fizzy, slightly tangy drink that’s naturally preserved and full of probiotic potential. Homemade juice is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for a few days or freeze it in ice cube trays for later use.
Preserving oranges at home is not only practical but also a rewarding way to reduce waste and enjoy citrus in different forms. From rich jams to decorative dried slices and refreshing juices, these methods turn excess fruit into flavourful staples that brighten up meals, drinks and even gift hampers.
ALSO SEE:
Featured Image: Pexels
A version of this article was first written by Thimna Matika for Garden&Home.
