BITTER ORANGES: HOW TO USE THEM.

Bitter orange is a citrus fruit that, in addition to boasting many properties and benefits (digestive and tonic), is an excellent ingredient used in the preparation of perfumes (essential oil) or as a flavoring additive. The sale of bitter oranges is therefore very active in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical fields, however the fruit can be used to make many recipes, such as liqueurs , jams, sweet or savory dishes, from the classic tart to baked bitter oranges. Do you want to know more about how to use bitter oranges, what are their properties and what recipes can be made?

BITTER ORANGES: PROPERTIES AND BENEFITS

There are many benefits and properties of bitter oranges: first of all, they aid digestion by stimulating gastric activity and contribute to the correct functioning of the cardiovascular system. This citrus fruit also contains synephrine, an alkaloid that helps burn fat and calories quickly thanks to the increase in the body's activity. From the peel of the bitter orange, an essential oil is extracted that is used as an anti-inflammatory and disinfectant, while the pulp is considered an excellent anti-wrinkle. Since it stimulates the digestive system, bitter orange is also used in slimming diets, as, in addition to burning fat, it increases the feeling of satiety and, by acting on the microcirculation, helps fight cellulite.

BITTER ORANGES: LIQUEUR

Bitter oranges can also be used to make excellent liqueurs: from the classic one based on orange peels, to the variants based on orange blossoms or with the addition of lemon peels. The procedure is always the same and the ingredients are very few, but the result will make you look great.

Bitter Orange Liqueur: Recipes

BITTER ORANGE MARMALADE: RECIPE.

If you want a bitter orange marmalade, to use in the preparation of desserts or to eat for breakfast, all you have to do is get the following ingredients and follow the procedure indicated below:

Ingredients

- 1 kg of bitter oranges
- 1 kg of sugar
- 5 litres of water
- juice of 1 lemon
- 2 vanilla pods

Preparation

Wash the oranges and cut them into slices.
Place the slices in a pan with the sugar and vanilla pods: cook until the sugar dissolves.
Combine the water and lemon juice and bring to the boil.
Cover with the lid, reduce the heat to low and cook for an hour.
Once the desired density is reached, put the hot jam into sterilized jars, close them and boil them upside down in a pan for about 30 minutes.
Let the jars cool, turn them over and place them in a dark, dry place.

CANDIED BITTER ORANGES: HOW TO MAKE THEM.

Have you ever tried candied bitter oranges, perhaps covered with delicious chocolate? The recipe requires quite a long preparation, but not too complicated.

Ingredients

- 5 bitter oranges
- 10 g of glucose
- sugar to taste
- water to taste
- 200 g of dark chocolate
- 3 g Maldon salt

Preparation
Wash the oranges, cut them into slices and put them in a pan with a little water. Bring to the boil.
Drain the oranges and cover again with cold water and bring to the boil.
Drain again and bring to the boil again with the sugar and glucose. Stir and cook over low heat for 15 minutes.
Turn off and let cool, boil again for 3 minutes, turn off and let cool. Put the pan in the fridge for 8 hours.
Bring back to the boil and cook for about an hour. Drain the slices and let them dry on a non-stick tray for about 12 hours.
Dip the slices in the melted chocolate, place on a baking tray and sprinkle with a pinch of Maldon salt. Leave the chocolate to crystallize and serve.