3 Tips for Juicing Oranges: How To Juice Citrus
Oranges are not only one of the most nutrient-packed fruits available, but they are also delicious. Here in the citrus corridor, we are blessed with an abundance of citrus, and one of the best ways to preserve the bounty is by juicing the oranges for fresh-squeezed orange juice. In this blog post, I’ll share my three best tips for how to juice oranges to get the best taste, most juice, and longest storage life out of your juice.
Tip #1: Juice the correct type of orange
When it comes to juice, not all oranges are equal. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Sweet oranges are good for both juice and eating fresh.
- Valencia oranges ripen later in the spring and are known for their delicious juice, which is deep orange in color and high in sugar.
- Navel oranges are best eaten fresh. If you juice them, use the juice as soon as possible. Navel oranges contain a compound called limonin, which produces a bitter taste in the juice.
Note: If your citrus fruit tastes sour, there could be several possible causes.
First, verify that you’re harvesting at the correct time—this article outlines 30 different citrus varieties and their respective harvest windows. If it’s indeed the right time, check for citrus suckers that may have overtaken your tree. Fruit produced by these suckers usually comes from the rootstock rather than the intended variety. Learn more about how to identify and manage citrus suckers in this helpful guide. Additionally, proper watering and fertilizing are essential for sweet, flavorful citrus; you can find citrus growing guidelines in this article.
Tip #2: Use the best tool for the job
The type of citrus juicer you use will depend on the number of oranges you have to use and your budget. Just a couple of oranges? This hand juicer is quick and convenient.
More oranges? This pressure-activated citrus juicer works very well, is inexpensive, and easy to clean.
But once I could purchase this citrus press, I juiced 10 times the amount of oranges in the same amount of time. If you have access each year to abundant citrus, it may be worth upgrading.
My mom and I shared one for several years and took turns juicing our oranges. I’ve had mine since 2012 and have juiced (literally) thousands of oranges.
Tip #3: Get the most juice possible from the oranges
If your oranges are cold, let them come to room temperature before juicing. They seem to release more juice when warm than cold.
Rolling the oranges before juicing may also help yield more juice. To roll the oranges, place them under the palm of your hand and exert light pressure while rolling them around on hard surfaces such as your kitchen counter.
Wash the oranges thoroughly to get rid of any dirt or debris. Then, place the oranges on a cutting board and slice them in half with a sharp knife. Once done, juice the oranges with your preferred juicer.
Bonus Tip: Store fresh-squeezed juice correctly for the best taste and longest storage life
Storing orange juice correctly is essential to maintaining its freshness and flavor. Freshly squeezed orange juice is best stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Fresh squeezed juice stores well in the refrigerator for about three weeks.
Fresh juice separates and needs to be remixed before drinking. Plunger-type mixing pitchers are perfect for short-term juice storage in the fridge. When you are ready to drink the juice, mix it before pouring it.
Freshly squeezed citrus juice can also be frozen, but it should be stored in an airtight container, leaving some headspace for expansion during freezing. For the best taste, use frozen juice within 12 months. To use frozen juice, let it unthaw in the fridge overnight.
If you enjoy making fresh orange juice at home, you might also appreciate my Homemade Lemonade Recipe. It’s a simple, refreshing option to utilize other citrus varieties and is perfect for hot days.
Citrus Growing Resources:
Questions about how to grow citrus?
This article answers 10 questions about successfully growing citrus, including step-by-step guidelines for selecting the right variety, proper planting techniques, and best practices for watering and fertilizing.
Learn the 10 biggest citrus growing mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Discover the most common pitfalls citrus growers face, from over-watering to incorrect pruning, and find expert tips on preventing and fixing each issue.
Learn about more than 30 different types of citrus trees
Explore an extensive list of citrus varieties—from classic oranges and lemons to uncommon hybrids—and get helpful insights on selecting the best tree for your climate and taste preferences.
How to grow citrus in containers
Get practical advice on choosing the correct container, selecting the proper soil, and creating the ideal growing conditions to cultivate citrus trees on a patio or balcony.
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