Friday, October 30, 2020

How Do You Store Oranges?

 

Do you ever stress out about buying and storing fruit? I know I can’t be the only one whose strawberries like to go bad the second I turn my back, or whose peaches never seem to get ripe at all.

This kind of waste and confusion can be so frustrating. Fortunately, oranges are one of the easiest and longest-lasting fruits out there. Happily for us, citrus isn’t picked until it’s at the peak of perfection. This means you never have to worry about whether it’s ripe or not. Citrus also stays fresh, perfect and sweet for a good long time. What a relief!

Do you still have questions about storing your oranges, tangerines and grapefruit? We’re here for you. Read on to learn more.

Q. Should I keep my citrus in the fridge or at room temperature?


A. Either one works, but your citrus will last longer if stored in the refrigerator. If you prefer to leave your beautiful fruit out to admire, know that it should stay fresh for about a week. This is a pretty long time for fruit!

If you’d like to preserve your citrus longer, store it in the refrigerator. Really fresh oranges should last in the fridge for two, three, or even four weeks! For more longevity, keep them in a net bag or perforated bag for better airflow.

Q. If I keep my citrus at room temperature, what conditions are best?



A. Oranges like airflow, so remove them from any plastic bags and put them in a beautiful bowl for all to admire. Citrus will keep best out of heat or direct sunlight. If you have a really big bowl of citrus, you may want to rearrange them every so often.

Q. What if I slice my citrus? How long is it good for then?


A. Once you cut fruit and expose the interior to air, it does have a shorter shelf life. If you slice or section your citrus, put it in the fridge and eat it within 3 to 4 days.

Q. How long does cut or peeled citrus keep at room temperature?

A. Food safety experts generally advise that any cut or peeled fruit should be eaten or refrigerated once it has been at room temperature more than two hours.

Q.  Can I freeze citrus?

A. Yes! If you would like to freeze some oranges, tangerines or grapefruit for later, you can peel and section them, put them on a cookie sheet, freeze them, and then put them into sealed freezer bags. You can also try freezing citrus sections in a 4:3 water and sugar solution. Just boil the water and sugar till the sugar dissolves; then place the orange sections in the liquid, cool, place in containers, and freeze. This will keep up to a year.

Q. Can I freeze orange juice?


A. Definitely! This is a great way to quickly preserve your citrus. Simply “squeeze and freeze.”

Q. What are some other good things to do with a big box of citrus?

A. We’re glad you asked! There’s really no such thing as “too many oranges” (or tangerines, or grapefruit) in our humble opinions. If it seems like you have a few too many to eat out of hand, we have so many great ideas for cooking with citrus, making delicious drinks with citrus, baking with citrus, and even decorating with citrus.

Citrus keeps so well, and its quality is so reliable. You’re bound to think of a hundred great ways to use it in your home and kitchen. We also happen to think it looks beautiful as a centerpiece in your dining room or kitchen. Why not order some today?

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Monday, October 19, 2020

Top 10 Most Popular Orange Juice Cocktails

 Orange juice is an essential drink mixer, adding freshness, sweetness, and juicy acidity to cocktails. It's a familiar flavor that everyone loves and feels at ease with. Here, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most popular and well-known orange juice-based cocktails, from sophisticated classics to fun ‘70s party drinks. You're sure to find something you'll love.

Just remember, freshly squeezed juice from quality oranges is always your best choice. While the grocery stuff may work in a pinch, the truth is that most supermarket juice can’t hold a candle to the pure, clean flavor of juice you squeeze at home. 

10. Orange Blossom


This classic and well-balanced cocktail has a bit more history than some of the others here; it’s believed to have been invented during prohibition. This can be a brunch cocktail, but be careful—it contains two forms of alcohol.

How to Make It:

1 oz sweet vermouth
1 oz gin
1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice

Shake in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice and strain into a martini or highball glass.

9. Orange Crush


This cocktail got its start in the beach town of Ocean City, Maryland, and now has something of a cult following in that area and beyond. Though the recipe sounds simple, devotees swear there’s something irresistible about it. Fresh orange juice is 100% necessary to this drink! That’s the “crush” in the name.

How to Make It:

  • 2 oz orange vodka
  • 2 oz triple sec, Grand Marnier, or Cointreau
  • Juice of one orange
  • Lemon-lime soda

Mix vodka and triple sec in a pint glass filled with ice. Add fresh juice and top with soda.

8. Madras


This simple twist on the screwdriver adds cranberry juice for more complexity and interest. The drink dates back to the '50s and is popular in Boston. For a variation, sub in rum for vodka—that’s a Corsair.

Some history: Madras is a city in India, now known as Chennai, celebrated for its production of lightweight plaid fabrics in bright colors. The drink gets its name from the contrast of bright colors.

How to Make It:

  • 1 ½ oz vodka
  • 3 oz cranberry juice
  • ½ ounce freshly squeezed orange juice

Pour orange juice into an ice-filled highball glass. Add vodka. Slowly drizzle in cranberry juice. Garnish with lime wedge or cherry.

7. Painkiller

Ever had a pina colada? A painkiller is a citrus twist on that tropical classic. Invented in the Virgin Islands in the '70s, this tasty tiki treat is arguably even tastier than its better-known sibling. Don’t leave off the nutmeg garnish.

How to Make It:

  • 2 oz dark rum
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 3 oz pineapple juice
  • 1 oz cream of coconut (don’t substitute coconut milk)

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice; strain into a large glass, over ice if desired. Top with freshly grated nutmeg,

6. Alabama Slammer


A throwback from the 1980s, this fruity drink is made with various liqueurs and orange juice and is a popular tailgate drink in the South, especially at University of Alabama football games. To improve the quality of your Slammer, look for a higher-end sloe gin made with natural fruit (some of the cheap ones may remind you of cough syrup).

How to Make It:

  • 1 oz Southern Comfort or bourbon
  • 1 oz Amaretto
  • 1 oz sloe gin
  • 2-3 oz freshly squeezed orange juice

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a highball glass over ice and garnish with an orange wedge.

5. Sex on the Beach


This drink was born in the '80s when “naughty” names for cocktails were popular. According to legend, it was invented by a savvy bartender to sell peach schnapps. Some variations include pineapple juice as well as orange juice.

How to Make It:

  • 1 ½ oz vodka
  • 1 oz peach schnapps
  • 2-3 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2-3 oz cranberry juice

Combine all ingredients in a highball glass, pint glass or other large glass filled with ice.

4. Fuzzy Navel


This one also hails from the ‘80s and was a classic club drink of that era. It’s a bit unusual in that we actually know the name of the person who invented it—Ray Foley, a famous bartender, who went on to aggressively market the drink around the county. Rap fans may know it by its other name, the Cold Medina. For a variation, add some lemon juice or champagne.

How to Make It:

  • 3 oz peach schnapps
  • 3 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
Mix schnapps and orange juice in a highball glass with ice.

3. Tequila Sunrise

Popular in the 1970s, the tequila sunrise really does look like a sunrise in a glass. The Rolling Stones were famously fond of this drink, and of course the Eagles wrote a song named after it. To mix it up, sub in Southern Comfort for the tequila (a “Southern sunrise”) or blackberry brandy for the grenadine (a “tequila sunset”).

How to Make It

  • 2 oz tequila
  • 4 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
  • ¼ oz grenadine

Mix tequila and OJ in a highball glass with ice. Slowly pour syrup down the side of the glass; it will settle in the bottom for the sunrise effect. If desired, garnish with orange slice and cherry.

2. Mimosa


The classic “festive brunch” cocktail that’s been used to sell plenty of waffles and eggs, this sweet sparkler can be delicious, or not so great. Using dry sparkling wine and a fresh juice, mixing to order, and keeping both ingredients very cold will make for a spritely Mimosa. Upgrade your mimosa with a splash of St. Germain or with fresh tangerine juice.

How to Make It

  • Mix equal parts freshly squeezed orange juice and sparkling white wine in a champagne flute; serve cold. (Note: some prefer 2:1 wine and OJ)

1. Screwdriver

Almost everyone who’s ever had an orange juice cocktail has had a screwdriver. As with all of these juice-based drinks, the quality of your juice matters a lot. To change it up, try varying the juicing oranges in your screwdriver and “taste testing.” You can also try a flavored vodka, such as vanilla.

How to Make It

  • 1 ½ oz vodka
  • Freshly squeezed orange juice to top, about 4-5 ounces

Pour vodka into an ice-filled highball glass and top with juice. That’s it!

We hope you'll like trying out these orange juice-based cocktails. When made with fresh juice, they can even make your nighttime indulgence high in vitamin C! Enjoy.

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