Extracted from the zest of orange peels, orange extract encapsulates the true essence of citrus flavor. It pairs impeccably with vanilla, chocolate, strawberries, pineapples, and a myriad of other sweets and fruits. But there is no need to search the supermarket shelves to find some; you can make it easily at home with a couple of simple ingredients. Let’s look at how!
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your Homemade Orange Extract
When it comes to making orange extract, selecting the right ingredients is crucial. First and foremost, opt for alcohol that is at least 70 proof (I use 80 proof), as it is essential for getting all the flavor out of the orange skins. There’s no need to break the bank on an expensive brand; a moderately priced bottle will suffice. For the best flavor, choose fresh oranges with thick skin, which allow easy removal without the bitter pith. Avoid using oranges coated in wax, as organic and clean oranges are always better.
Step-By-Step Guide to Making Orange Extract at Home
You will need:
- One whole, large orange
- Vodka, at least 70-80 proof and enough to cover the orange zest by a few centimeters.
Step 1: Zest your orange. I used a peeler, but a zester would be better as it is easier to avoid the pith if your orange skin is too thin.
Step 2: Place all of the zest in a jar and ensure it is fully submerged in vodka.
Step 3: Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark location for at least two weeks but up to three months. Remember to shake the jar weekly.
Step 4: After the desired duration, strain out the zest from the liquid.
Step 5: Transfer the liquid into an airtight jar or bottle for storage.
Do I Have to Use Alcohol to Make Extracts?
Here’s a recipe for making a non-alcoholic orange extract. Instead of using alcohol, this extract is made with glycerin.
- Start by peeling the orange and removing all the white pith from the peel. Roughly dice the orange peel.
- Next, combine the diced orange peel with glycerin in a sterilized glass canning jar. Make sure the peel is fully submerged in the mixture.
- Cover the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 30 days to allow the flavors to infuse.
Unlike traditional alcohol-based extracts, extracts made with glycerin, known as glycerites, have a syrupy consistency. However, they can be used interchangeably in recipes.
Tips For Storing and Using Your Homemade Orange Extract
To prolong the shelf life of your orange extract, store it in brown bottles. Extracts made with glycerin can remain fresh for up to four years when stored in your pantry, eliminating the need for refrigeration. Extracts made with alcohol are best used within 1 – 2 years.
How to Adjust Your Orange Extract’s Strength
Store the sealed jar in a cool, dark location for a minimum of two weeks and up to three months. Remember to shake the extract weekly. The longer it rests, the more intense the flavor becomes. So, if you want a stronger one, let it sit longer or use more orange peel/zest and less vodka.
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FAQs
Replace the need for orange zest or juice. Add to ice cream, popsicles, cakes, breads, and cookies. It is exceptional when paired with chocolate and ideal for an old-fashioned cocktail.
With its proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, this ingredient has shown promise in skin care formulations. It also has skin-lightening effects. Additional benefits include clearing acne and acne scars and acting as a fantastic natural exfoliator.
It depends on the alcohol content of the vodka you use to make it. Generally, it is between 35-45%. Mine is 40%, as I used alcohol, which was 40% ABV.
How To Make Homemade Orange Extract: A Zesty Delight
Ingredients
Instructions
You will need:
- One whole, large orange
- Vodka, at least 70-80 proof and enough to cover the orange zest by a few centimeters.
Step 1: Zest your orange. I used a peeler, but a zester would be better as it is easier to avoid the pith if your orange skin is too thin.
Step 2: Place all of the zest in a jar and ensure it is fully submerged in vodka.
Step 3: Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark location for at least two weeks but up to three months. Remember to shake the jar weekly.
Step 4: After the desired duration, strain out the zest from the liquid.
Step 5: Transfer the liquid into an airtight jar for storage.
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