4 ways to use oranges in the kitchen

The oranges are one of the richest and healthiest fruits, although they are more commonly consumed in juice form. However, this citrus is extremely versatile, and there are many ways to incorporate it into your meals. In addition to their health benefits, at kiwilimón, we tell you about the advantages of using oranges in your recipes, both sweet and savory, so you can take advantage of all the properties of this citrus. Benefits of oranges The oranges are part of the citrus group, which are fruits full of health benefits, so consuming them is a good idea to help keep us healthy. The health benefits of oranges include: They help cardiovascular health. According to Healthline, the vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids contained in oranges can help improve cardiovascular health. Additionally, it has been found that drinking orange juice contributes to lowering blood sugar levels and bad cholesterol.You can also read: How to remove the smell of garlic and onion from your hands?They protect against chronic diseases. Eating oranges and other citrus fruits can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer, such as lung cancer, mouth cancer, stomach cancer, and head and neck cancer. They prevent anemia. Since oranges have a high vitamin C content, consuming them improves the body's ability to absorb iron, and having optimal levels of this mineral can prevent anemia. They strengthen the immune system. The vitamin C in oranges is essential for the proper functioning of NK cells, which are responsible for destroying infected and cancerous cells, as well as regulating immune responses. Additionally, the antioxidant power of vitamin C protects against oxidative damage. On the other hand, oranges are rich in anti-inflammatory substances that help maintain a healthy immune system. Uses of oranges in the kitchen In addition to having great health benefits, oranges have various uses in the kitchen. This ingredient is used in both savory and sweet recipes thanks to its versatility and characteristic flavor. Below, we share some uses of oranges in the kitchen so you can make the most of this citrus. Tenderizing meat As noted by Larousse Cocina, marinating or soaking meat involves immersing an ingredient in a liquid to make it more tender, aromatic, and enhance its flavor. Marinades usually consist of 3 elements: an acid, an oil, and an ingredient that adds flavor, according to the portal Chicken.This is where the properties of orange juice can be utilized, as it is an acidic ingredient that has the ability to tenderize and make meat more flavorful. This applies to beef, pork, chicken, and even fish, as noted by Clockwork Lemon. However, it is important to be cautious with marinating times because the meat can become tough and chewy if marinated for too long in orange juice.Adding flavor to desserts Good news for citrus lovers and sweet enthusiasts is that oranges are ideal for adding a slightly acidic touch to your favorite desserts, enhancing the flavor of your preparations. There are many ways to incorporate oranges into your desserts. For instance, you can add a bit of orange zest to your cake, muffin, custard, or flan mixtures, to name just a few examples. By doing this, you'll notice that your desserts will have the unique and fragrant flavor of oranges. Another option is to add orange juice to your preparations. According to Brit+Co, using orange juice instead of water or even milk in your cake and bread mixtures will add an incomparable citrus touch that will help highlight the other flavors. One more option is to add candied oranges as a topping. You'll love them!Enhancing the flavor of salads A very simple way to avoid your salads becoming monotonous and boring is to play with the ingredients you use to prepare them, from the basic elements of the mix to the dressings and vinaigrettes. To add a tropical and acidic touch to your salads, you can add orange segments. If you want them to be easier to eat and avoid any slight bitterness, it's best to cut the orange into supremes to enjoy the full flavor and texture of the pulp. Another way to add oranges to your salads is through vinaigrettes. Simply replace some of the vinegar in your recipe with orange juice to create a refreshing, aromatic, and simply irresistible vinaigrette that will take your salads to the next level.You can also read: How to achieve the perfect breading in your foodsPickling vegetables According to the Larousse Gastronomic Dictionary, pickling is the process of preserving foods by immersing them in a solution with salt or vinegar and aromatic herbs. Vinegar is often used in this technique due to its acidity, a characteristic that orange juice shares. As noted by Brit+Co, orange juice has the necessary acidity to pickle vegetables, so you can use it instead of vinegar without any problem, with the added benefit of giving a citrus touch that will make your pickles even tastier.Now that you know all about the uses of orange in the kitchen, how will you add this citrus to your preparations? At kiwilimón, we have thousands of recipes where you can apply these tips to surprise your family with irresistible flavor combinations.