Bitter oranges: everything you need to know

Why is bitter orange bitter? Scientific explanation

Molecules responsible for bitterness: limonoids and flavonoids

The molecules responsible for the bitter taste of this citrus fruit are limonoids and flavonoids: the former concern limonin, also present in lemons and in the varieties of sweet orange represented by blood oranges and blond oranges, while the latter concern neohesperidin and naringin, both typical of grapefruit to which they give the bitter taste.

Biological role of bitterness for the plant

But what is the role of bitterness for the plant? As often happens in nature, the characteristic bitter taste of this plant finds its main reason in the defense, both from herbivorous “predators” and from pathogens, which are hindered by the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of flavonoids.

How bitterness changes during maturation and cooking

The main elements that change bitterness are ripening and cooking: in the first case, the more unripe the fruit, the more intense the bitter taste will be, while with ripeness the sugars increase to balance the bitterness. However, the bitter taste always remains noticeably high, which is why the fruit is not loved for its taste.

Similarly, cooking by boiling to eliminate bitterness also does not have great results and this flavor remains persistent. However, as anticipated, it is highly appreciated as an essence in pastry and for the creation of liqueurs.

Contraindications of bitter orange: when to avoid it

High blood pressure and bitter orange: what to know

Among the contraindications of bitter orange, the main role is always played by synephrine which can affect the balance of pressure, raising values and causing arrhythmias, tachycardia or heart problems of various kinds. For this reason, it is important to avoid or control its use in case of previous heart diseases.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and precautions

Similarly, the use of bitter oranges during pregnancy and breastfeeding is highly discouraged, to avoid side effects on the fetus or newborn.

Interactions with stimulant drugs and supplements

In the event that you take other stimulant drugs or supplements, we do not recommend the use of bitter orange and to consult your doctor if necessary. In particular , antidepressant, antihypertensive and caffeinated drugs, ephedrine and stimulants such as guarana or green tea are referred to for risk of hypertension, stroke or heart attack.

Difference Between Fresh Bitter Orange and Concentrated Supplements

Certainly, the use of fresh bitter orange is less risky than that of concentrated supplements, since these contain a high percentage of synephrine, especially in the case of those aimed at weight loss that work with a stimulating effect on the body.

Photo-sensitization of essential oils: how to protect yourself

The essential oils of citrus peel contain molecules known as furocoumarins that are phototoxic. In short, if you apply an oil with these molecules to the skin, it triggers and exposes you to UV rays, you risk serious burns, erythema, redness and, over time, the appearance of dark spots.

So, it is recommended to apply citrus essential oils only in the evening before going to bed and not to expose yourself to the sun for at least 12-24 hours. In addition, it is suggested to always dilute the oils and never apply them pure to the skin.

Bitter oranges in the kitchen: all possible uses

Traditional Uses of Bitter Oranges

Although bitter oranges are not appreciated to eat pure, this citrus fruit can be used in cooking in a variety of ways. Traditional uses include the following:

• Marmalade: Unlike Sicilian orange marmalade, it uses only the juice and peel, including the white part, of the bitter orange.
• Candied fruit and peel: you can use the same process as for candied orange peel.
• Liqueurs (amaro, curaçao): Bitter oranges are often used to make liqueurs, such as curaçao and bitters.
• Infusions and jellies: thanks to its sedative and digestive effects, bitter orange is the main ingredient of many infusions but also of jellies, especially for the natural pectin contained in the fruit.

Creative and Modern Uses of Bitter Orange

For the more creative, it is possible to range with the imagination and use bitter orange in the kitchen in a more modern way.

• Gourmet pairings: with ricotta, pistachio cream and dark chocolate in pastry, or with smoked and raw fish, or as reductions, glazes and chutneys for red meats.
• Citrus cocktails: such as a bitter orange spritz or even using essential oil, edible garnishes or bitter orange liqueurs.
• Sauces and dressings: for citrus vinaigrettes, roast sauces or to enrich salads and savory dishes.

How to reduce bitterness without eliminating its identity

What if you want to try to slightly reduce the bitter taste, respecting the nature of the citrus fruit? Here are some tips:

• Soaking: the first trick is to soak in cold water for 12-24 hours to be repeated 2 or 3 times, the peel cut or the whole fruit.
• Double boiling: heat also affects the bitter taste, so boiling the peels or whole fruits twice can make the taste of these oranges less bitter.
• Sugar/acid balance: finally, depending on the recipe you want to make, the balance of sugars and acids is a further trick to consider to obtain preparations with calibrated flavors, perhaps using salt or hot spices such as cinnamon, cloves and ginger that inhibit the bitter taste.

Non-Culinary Uses of Bitter Orange

Essence of neroli and orange blossom: fragrant heritage of Sicily

As for the use of bitter orange outside the kitchen, it goes without saying that the essences of Neroli and Zagara are the protagonists. These scents immediately refer to Sicily, fully reflecting it and representing a real “fragrant heritage” of the island.

Aromatherapy: calming and relaxing properties

In terms of aromatherapy, bitter orange essential oils mostly have calming and relaxing properties, as anticipated. The purpose is mostly sedative and anxiolytic, which is why they are used in cases of shock or insomnia due to stress. However, Petit Grain has a more balancing and invigorating effect than Neroli, promoting greater concentration.

Natural cosmetics: scrubs, toners and essential oils

Bitter oranges are also highly appreciated for their role in natural cosmetics: in particular, it is possible to make:

• exfoliating scrubs for the face and body with dried and ground peel;
• gentle facial tonics with orange blossom water;
• regenerating and healing oils with Neroli oil.

Home and wardrobe air fresheners with dried peel

Given the intense scent produced by these citrus fruits, bitter oranges can also be used as perfumers for the home and wardrobes, placing the dried peels in potpourri and scented bags.

Citrus household cleaners: how to prepare them

Finally, citrus essential oils also have degreasing, disinfectant and aromatic power, so ecological and effective detergents can be made. Some examples are citrus vinegar degreasers, combining white vinegar and bitter orange peel, or flavoring with a few drops of the essential oils of wet cloths.

How to recognize quality bitter oranges and how to store them

Characteristics to observe: color, texture, scent

To recognize quality bitter oranges, it is important to observe the following specific characteristics:

Seasonality and ideal time to harvest

The period of bitter oranges is usually the middle of winter, with the harvest going from November / December until February / March. For the preparation of bitter orange jam, it is recommended to wait until January or February, when the fruit has reached the maximum concentration of taste and essential oils.

Refrigerated storage and proper techniques

Bitter orange storage can take place in the refrigerator, but only for a short time. Bitter oranges should be stored whole, unwashed in the fruit drawer for 1-2 weeks.

Freezing and use of dried peels

Bitter orange can be frozen in the freezer for a longer time. However, it is preferable to keep the peels and not the whole fruit, washing them and closing them in a bag for about 6-8 months.

Alternatively, the peels can be dried, avoiding cutting the white part and leaving them to dry in the open air for several days. They will be ready when they have a hard and crunchy texture, and can be stored in airtight dark glass or metal containers, away from light.

How to prevent mold and fermentation

To prevent mold and fermentation of bitter oranges, we suggest keeping them away from moisture and condensation. In this regard, it is suggested to:

• inspect and separate fruits from those with mold;
• always dry them;
• avoid closing them in sealed plastic bags;
• circulate air;
• store them cold, in the fridge.

Comparison between bitter orange and other Sicilian oranges

Sweet Orange vs Bitter Orange: Flavor, Uses, and Composition

But what are the differences between sweet orange varieties, such as blond or red oranges, and bitter orange? Here is a practical comparative table that summarizes the flavor, uses and composition of these types of oranges.

Differences with blood orange, blonde, lemon and bergamot

We can go into even more detail by illustrating the differences with the different varieties of sweet oranges, both red and blond, and with lemon and bergamot.

As for blood oranges, such as Tarocco, Tarocco Gallo or Moro oranges, the main difference with bitter orange is that in the latter there are no anthocyanins, i.e. the substances that give the typical red color. In terms of the differences between bitter orange and blonde, such as Cara Cara Greens, Cara Cara Sisters and Navel oranges, the latter have a decidedly sweeter and sugarier taste.

Lemon and bergamot also have differences with bitter oranges. In the case of lemon, they are both very acidic but while lemon is more tart, bitter orange tastes more bitter than sour. Finally, as for bergamot, both are non-sweet citrus fruits but bergamot has a more floral and spicy aroma.

When to choose one variety and when to choose the other: a practical guide

But how do you figure out which variety of oranges to choose? Generally, blood orange is a table fruit to be eaten fresh while bitter orange is more used for its essence.

Similarly, it is advisable to choose the blond orangewhen the goal is the sweetness of juices, dishes that require a slight sweet-acid contrast or salads, such as the very Sicilian fennel and orange salad.

Finally, the bitter orange aroma is certainly suitable for more decisive recipes, in which it is necessary to take advantage of natural pectin as well as for jams and candied fruit.

Choose Donna Fina’s oranges

If citrus fruits refer to a place, this is definitely Sicily. For this reason, Sicilian oranges are so appreciated in the world, as the island is one of the best places where it is possible to grow citrus fruits thanks to the climate and soils favorable to their growth, making citrus fruits a fundamental part of Sicilian culture.

In this sense, getting to know these fruits, such as bitter oranges and other varieties of Sicilian oranges, is a way to get to know Sicily and get closer to it, even if you are far away. And Tenuta Donna Fina also works for this: to enhance the Sicilian agricultural heritage in the world, respecting the rhythms of nature beyond the season of oranges and other fruits.

Discover the variety of our Sicilian citrus fruits: in addition to oranges, we also grow Sicilian clementines, mandarins, limes and lemons, in their different varieties. Not forgetting our avocados, in the Hass Bio and Fuerte Bio variants: find your favorite products!

Frequently Asked Questions about Bitter Oranges (FAQ)