Do you often find yourself with a surplus of oranges that are past their prime? Don’t throw them away! There are plenty of ways to repurpose those old oranges and save them from ending up in the landfill. Not only will you be reducing food waste, but you’ll also be creating something delicious and useful.
In this article, I’ll share some creative and tasty ideas for using old oranges in recipes, DIY projects, and more. From refreshing orange smoothies to orange-infused beauty products, you’ll be surprised at the range of possibilities.
Key Takeaways:
- Old oranges can be repurposed into delicious recipes and useful DIY projects
- Reducing food waste is important for our environment
- Orange-infused products can add a fresh and vibrant touch to your daily routine
Refreshing Orange Smoothies
If you have some old oranges lying around, you can easily turn them into a refreshing smoothie. Here are three different variations that you can try:
| Citrus Green Smoothie | Orange Creamsicle Smoothie | Tropical Orange Smoothie |
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These smoothies are a great way to use up old oranges and enjoy a healthy, tasty treat. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking and get creative with your own combinations.
Baked Orange Treats
If you’re a fan of baked goods, you’ll love incorporating old oranges into your recipes. The natural sweetness and tangy flavor of oranges can add a delicious twist to classic desserts. Here are two recipes for orange-infused treats that are sure to impress.
Orange-Infused Cake
For a moist and flavorful cake, try adding fresh orange juice and zest to your batter. This recipe yields a classic vanilla cake with a zesty orange glaze.
| Ingredients: | Directions: |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour | 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan. |
| 1 cup granulated sugar | 2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. |
| 1/2 tsp baking powder | 3. Add in eggs, milk, vegetable oil, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix until combined. |
| 1/4 tsp salt | 4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. |
| 2 eggs | 5. While the cake is baking, combine confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl. Mix until smooth. |
| 1/2 cup milk | 6. Once the cake is finished baking, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove from pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. |
| 1/2 cup vegetable oil | 7. Pour the glaze over the cooled cake and serve. |
| 1/2 cup fresh orange juice | |
| 2 tbsp orange zest | |
| 1 cup confectioners’ sugar |
This cake is perfect for any occasion and can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Orange-Infused Muffins
For a grab-and-go breakfast option, try making orange-infused muffins. These muffins have a rich and buttery flavor with a burst of citrusy freshness from the orange zest.
| Ingredients: | Directions: |
|---|---|
| 2 cups all-purpose flour | 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a muffin tin. |
| 1/2 cup granulated sugar | 2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. |
| 2 tsp baking powder | 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, butter, and orange zest. |
| 1/2 tsp salt | 4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix. |
| 2 eggs | 5. Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with batter. |
| 3/4 cup milk | 6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. |
| 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted | 7. Let muffins cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. |
| 2 tbsp orange zest |
These muffins can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature and are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Tangy Orange Sauces and Dressings
When it comes to giving your dishes a citrusy kick, old oranges can come in handy. With a little creativity, you can turn them into tangy sauces and dressings that will take your meals to the next level.
One of my favorite recipes is orange vinaigrette. It’s a simple yet versatile dressing that works well with salads, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables. To make it, you’ll need:
| Ingredients: | 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice | 1/4 cup olive oil | 1 tablespoon honey | 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard | Salt and pepper to taste |
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| Instructions: | 1. Combine all the ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake vigorously until well combined. | 2. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. | 3. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to a week. |
Another great idea is orange glaze, which is perfect for coating baked goods and meat dishes. Here’s how to make it:
| Ingredients: | 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice | 1/4 cup brown sugar | 1 tablespoon cornstarch | 1 teaspoon orange zest | 1/4 teaspoon salt |
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| Instructions: | 1. In a small saucepan, whisk together all the ingredients over medium heat. | 2. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble. | 3. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before using. | 4. Brush the glaze onto your desired dish before baking or grilling. |
Finally, orange marinade is a fantastic way to add flavor to poultry, fish, and tofu. It’s easy to make and requires only a handful of ingredients:
| Ingredients: | 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice | 1/4 cup olive oil | 3 garlic cloves, minced | 1 tablespoon soy sauce | 1 teaspoon honey | 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes | Salt and pepper to taste |
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| Instructions: | 1. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until well combined. | 2. Add your desired protein and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. | 3. Cook using your preferred method. |
Give your dishes a tangy kick with these easy orange sauce and dressing recipes.
Citrusy Orange Marmalade
As I was wondering what to do with my old oranges, I stumbled upon an easy and delicious DIY project – making citrusy orange marmalade! This sweet and tangy spread is perfect for toast, scones, and even as a glaze for meats. Plus, it’s a great way to use up oranges that have seen better days.
To make this citrusy treat, simply peel and segment six oranges and place them in a pot with three cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for about an hour, or until the mixture has reduced to half. Add three cups of sugar and the juice of one lemon, and continue to simmer for another hour, stirring occasionally. The marmalade is ready when it has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
Once the marmalade has finished cooking, pour it into sterilized jars and let cool before storing in the refrigerator. This recipe makes about four cups of marmalade, which should last for a few weeks if stored properly.
Not only is this DIY project a great way to reduce food waste, but it also makes a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for friends and family. As an added bonus, the aroma of simmering oranges and sugar is sure to fill your home with a warm and cozy scent.
Give this citrusy orange marmalade recipe a try and enjoy a taste of summer all year round!
Zesty Orange Salad Dressing
If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your salads, look no further than old oranges! This zesty orange salad dressing is the perfect way to add some freshness and vibrancy to your greens.
To make the dressing, start by whisking together freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, and olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and voila! Your tangy orange dressing is ready to go.
You can pour it generously over a bed of spinach and arugula, or use it to dress up a traditional Caesar salad. The possibilities are endless!
This dressing is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with healthy nutrients. Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, while olive oil is loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. So not only will your salad taste great, but it will also be good for you!
Orange-Infused Beverages
Want another way to use up those old oranges? Let’s make refreshing drinks! Here are some easy and tasty recipes for orange-infused beverages:
- Orange-Infused Water: Simply slice up one or two old oranges and add the slices to a pitcher of water. Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours to infuse the water with flavor. You can add some mint leaves for extra freshness.
- Orange Tea: Steep some tea bags in hot water and add a few slices of old oranges. Let it steep for a few minutes, then remove the tea bags and oranges for a delicious and comforting drink.
- Orange Spritzer: Mix together equal parts of orange juice and sparkling water. Add some ice cubes and garnish with a slice of orange for a fancy-looking drink.
These orange-infused beverages are perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a refreshing drink. Plus, they’re a great way to use up those old oranges that might otherwise go to waste.
If you prefer a more adult beverage, try adding a shot of vodka or rum to the orange spritzer for a boozy twist. Cheers!
Natural Cleaning with Orange
As someone who cares about reducing food waste, I love finding new ways to repurpose old oranges. Did you know that you can also use oranges to make natural cleaning solutions, free from harsh chemicals? In this section, I’ll show you how to make three different cleaning solutions using old oranges.
| Orange All-Purpose Cleaner | Orange Vinegar Cleaner | Orange-Scented Air Freshener |
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| Ingredients: | Ingredients: | Ingredients: |
| – Orange peels (from 2-3 oranges) | – Orange peels (from 2-3 oranges) | – Orange peels (from 1-2 oranges) |
| – White vinegar | – White vinegar | – Water |
| – Water | – Water | – Essential oil (optional) |
| – Spray bottle | – Spray bottle | – Spray bottle |
| Instructions: | Instructions: | Instructions: |
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Not only are these cleaning solutions eco-friendly and affordable, they also leave a fresh citrus scent in your home. Give them a try and see for yourself!
Orange-Infused Bath and Beauty Products
As I mentioned earlier, old oranges can be used for more than just cooking and baking. They can also be incorporated into your self-care routine, adding a natural and rejuvenating citrusy scent to your bath and beauty products. Here are some easy DIY recipes for orange-infused bath and beauty products that you can try:
Orange Sugar Scrub
To make a refreshing and exfoliating orange sugar scrub, mix together 1 cup of white sugar, 1/2 cup of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, and 5-10 drops of orange essential oil. Massage onto damp skin in the shower, then rinse off with warm water. Your skin will feel soft and smooth with a subtle orange scent.
Orange Bath Salts
For a relaxing and therapeutic orange bath, mix together 1 cup of Epsom salt, 1/2 cup of sea salt, 1/4 cup of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of dried orange peel, and 10-15 drops of orange essential oil. Add a few tablespoons to your bathwater and soak for at least 20 minutes. The combination of salts and orange essential oil will help to soothe sore muscles and calm your mind.
Orange Body Butter
To moisturize and nourish your skin, try making a creamy orange body butter. Melt together 1/2 cup of shea butter and 1/4 cup of coconut oil in a double boiler, then let cool for a few minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, and 10-15 drops of orange essential oil. Pour the mixture into a glass jar and let it solidify in the fridge for at least an hour. Rub a small amount onto your skin and enjoy the rich and citrusy aroma.
With these simple and natural DIY recipes, you can transform your old oranges into luxurious bath and beauty products. Not only will you be reducing food waste, but you’ll also be pampering yourself with the benefits of oranges.
Zesty Orange Salad Dressing
If you’re looking for a zingy salad dressing to brighten up your greens, try making this zesty orange dressing with your old oranges. It’s simple to make and adds a fresh burst of flavor to any salad.
To make this dressing, you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, honey, dijon mustard, and garlic until combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle over your favorite salad and enjoy!
This dressing is perfect for a citrusy kale salad with sliced almonds and dried cranberries, or a refreshing orange and avocado salad with arugula. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of ingredients!
One tip for enhancing the flavor is to use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of store-bought orange juice. It will add extra zing and brightness to your dressing.
Orange-Based Fertilizer for Plants
Did you know that old oranges can be used to create a natural fertilizer for your plants? This is a great way to repurpose old fruit and give your plants the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
To make orange-based fertilizer, simply blend together your old oranges with water and pour the mixture into the soil around your plants. You can also add other organic materials such as coffee grounds or eggshells to the mixture for added nutrients.
Your plants will love the boost of natural nutrition, and you’ll love the fact that you’re reducing food waste in a practical way.
Not only is this method environmentally friendly, but it’s also cheaper than buying chemical fertilizers. You can create your own fertilizer for free with the oranges you already have at home.
Next time you’re tempted to throw away your old oranges, think twice and give this orange-based fertilizer a try. Your plants (and the planet) will thank you!
Conclusion
As we come to the end of this article, I hope that you have found some inspiration for what to do with your old oranges. By using them in creative and tasty ways, we can reduce food waste and make the most of every ingredient in our kitchens.
From refreshing orange smoothies to orange-infused bath and beauty products, old oranges can be repurposed in so many different ways. They can add flavor to baked treats, tang to dressings and sauces, and freshness to beverages and decor.
So, next time you find yourself with a surplus of oranges, don’t throw them away. Instead, try out some of the ideas in this article and see what you can create. You may be surprised at just how versatile old oranges can be!