As soon as you cut a segment of orange preserved in extra virgin olive oil, you immediately notice the intense aroma that fills the air. The combination of ripe oranges and high-quality extra virgin olive oil creates a synergy of flavors that tantalizes the palate. Each bite is a taste discovery, a feast for the senses that transports you directly to the heart of Mediterranean nature.

Oranges preserved in extra virgin olive oil are a true culinary treasure. Their preparation requires the use of fresh, ripe organic oranges to ensure maximum flavor and quality. The thick, fragrant orange peel is delicately peeled away, revealing the juicy, inviting pulp. The slices or segments are then carefully arranged in sterilized glass jars, ready to be immersed in high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Preserving in extra virgin olive oil allows the oranges to gradually release their essential oils, creating a true symphony of flavors. The extra virgin olive oil acts as a vehicle, carrying the aromatic notes of the oranges and giving an extraordinary intensity to every bite.

 

Ingredients

• Fresh, ripe organic oranges

• High-quality extra virgin olive oil

• Sterilized glass jars with airtight lids

 

Preparation

1. Select ripe, good-quality oranges (strictly organic oranges to avoid pesticide or other chemical residues).

2. Wash the oranges thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities.

3. Using a sharp knife, trim the ends of the oranges and remove any damaged or bruised parts. Then, cut the oranges into thin slices or wedges, depending on your preference.

4. Immerse the glass jars, which must be completely clean and sterilized, in boiling water for a few minutes, or use a suitable sterilization process.

5. Arrange the orange wedges inside the sterilized jars in an orderly fashion, trying not to overlap them too much. Be sure to leave a gap of about 2 cm from the top rim of the jar.

6. Pour the extra virgin olive oil into the jar, making sure all the orange slices are completely covered. Olive oil acts as a preservative and allows the oranges to ripen optimally.

7. Use a wooden spoon to remove any air bubbles trapped between the orange slices. This will ensure even preservation and improve the shelf life of the oranges preserved in extra virgin olive oil.

8. Tightly close the jars with airtight lids, ensuring they are well sealed to prevent air leakage or contamination.

9. Store the jars of oranges preserved in extra virgin olive oil in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Let the oranges ripen for at least two weeks before consuming them to allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

10. Oranges preserved in extra virgin olive oil can be stored for several months, depending on storage conditions.

 

However, regularly check the appearance and smell of the oranges to ensure freshness and food safety.

It is essential to ensure you use high-quality organic ingredients and pay attention to detail during the preparation process.

 

Pairings

The culinary possibilities are endless and open to experimentation.

One of the simplest options is to use them as a salad dressing: simply add a few slices or segments of oranges preserved in extra virgin olive oil to a fresh, crisp salad to give a different touch to the ingredients.

They can also be an extraordinary addition to meat and fish dishes: placing a few slices of orange preserved in extra virgin olive oil on a roasted meat fillet or grilled fish enriches the dish with a unique fruity note.

In addition to enhancing main courses, they are also an interesting addition to appetizers, perhaps paired with aged cheeses, black olives, or capers.

Finally, they can be enjoyed alone or with crusty bread.

 

Benefits

Oranges contain vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in protecting cells from free radical damage. It also helps support a healthy immune system by promoting the production of infection-fighting white blood cells.

Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy fats. These fats help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and may reduce the risk of heart disease. Extra virgin olive oil is also an important source of antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties and protect the body from free radical damage.

Another beneficial property of oranges preserved in extra virgin olive oil is their ability to improve the absorption of certain nutrients. Studies have shown that adding extra virgin olive oil to vegetables, such as oranges, can increase the absorption of beneficial compounds such as carotenoids. Carotenoids are antioxidants that can help protect the skin from sun damage, promote eye health, and support overall health.

 

Organic orange essential oil is extracted from the peel of the fruit (not yet fully ripe and harvested on dry days) by cold pressing or distillation.

It has a calming, sedative, and digestive effect and can be prepared at home. It's not as pure as the cold-pressed method, but it's still effective. Homemade preparation is also quite simple.

 

Ingredients

• Orange peels

• Glass jar with lid

• Glass bottle

• Vodka

• Kitchen towels for straining

• Tray

 

Preparation

1. Take some organic oranges and do a first test with the peels of 3 or 4 oranges. Peel the oranges and remove the rinds, keeping part of the white core. Cut them into strips and place them on a tray to dry. This will take a few days, but drying will be even faster if the humidity is low.

2. Using a sharp knife, cut the orange peels into small pieces. Pour them into a glass jar. Heat the vodka by placing the bottle in a pan filled with hot tap water. Let it sit for a few minutes and pour the vodka into the jar, completely covering the orange peels.

3. Close the jar and shake. Continue shaking vigorously for a couple of minutes. Repeat this process two or three times a day for at least three consecutive days. The more you shake the jar, the more orange essential oil will be released from the peels.

4. Filter the resulting liquid through a kitchen towel (or a very fine-mesh sieve, or a confetti cloth) from the jar into the glass bottle. A kitchen towel is the best option: it should be thin, made of linen or cotton, and not washed with harmful detergents; it will allow you to squeeze out the liquid retained by the peels.

5. Cover the bottle with a clean kitchen towel (or a cheesecloth) for a few days to allow the alcohol to evaporate. After a couple of days, the orange essential oil will be ready.

 

For best preservation, it is recommended to store essential oils in dark glass bottles with a lid and keep them away from direct light.

 

Benefits

Its health benefits are numerous: in addition to promoting normal digestive function and eliminating intestinal gas, it also boasts laxative, tonic, immune-boosting, tranquilizing, sedative, and antispasmodic properties.

Orange essential oil can be used simply to perfume or purify the environment, to promote beauty and well-being, and finally to season dishes and make household products.

 

Internal use

Dilute a few drops in a little sugar or honey.

 

External use

Apply a few drops to the chest or under the nose using a carrier oil or body cream.

It can be added to plant-based massage oils or water compresses for foot baths. It is also recommended as a skin moisturizer: add a couple of drops to a face cream, lotion, bubble bath, or liquid soap.

Orange essential oil can be used to delicately scent every corner of the home with a diffuser, in the radiator tray, or on a pillow. Placed in drawers, closets, or among linens, it has moth- and dust-mite-repellent properties.

A few drops in a neutral detergent adds a fresh, fragrant scent to laundry.

Five to ten drops of orange essential oil dissolved in a tablespoon of water in the fabric softener tray gives a distinctive scent to laundry.

 

Essential oils are concentrated substances and should not be used pure, but rather diluted. They are not at all suitable for the elderly, children under 5 years of age and people with heart or nervous system problems.