The Best Ways To Use Orange Slices

From everyday snacks to pleasing scents, embrace these smart and creative ways to use orange slices.

With summer setting in, staying hydrated is the real summer goal and nothing beats a fresh orange slice as a refreshing hydrated fruit to ease you into the season. Orange slices are often referred to as ‘segments’ or ‘wedges’. Interestingly, the anatomical form for each section is a ‘carpel’ – natural division of the citrus fruit, also humorously described as “smiles” because of their curved like shape. 

Orange slices can symbolize refreshment, joy and vitality, because of its bright color and citrusy scent, they are often associated with sunshine, warmth and simply positive energy. In some cultures, represent good luck and prosperity, where exchanges of whole oranges convey well wishes. Suggesting , wholeness and harmony. 

Fresh orange slices are more than just a refreshing snack, it is a powerhouse of high nutritional value that contains vitamin C, antioxidants, and hydration. Orange slices offer several health benefits, to boost immunity and repair tissues. The fiber in each slice helps with digestion, promoting a feeling of fullness. The antioxidants in orange slices may lower the risk of chronic diseases by reducing oxidative stress. Oranges also provide potassium, which supports heath health by regulating blood pressure. So, unlike fruit juices they contain natural fiber and have a lower glycemic impact, making them a healthier option for most people.  

Orange Slices Candy

Turning them into your next favourite choice of candy. Orange sliced candy however, are merely just orange flavored candy that are chewy, jelly-like shaped like fruit wedges and practically coated in sugar – they are purely confectionery and made from corn syrup, sugar and artificial orange flavoring. Making it a classic treat in American candy aisles since the mid-20th century and often come in assorted citrus flavors. Though tasty, they are high in sugar and contain little nutritional value. Still, for many Americans, orange slice candies bring back childhood memories as a  favourite holiday treat. But stick around; this blog has a recipe on how to make your orange slices snack alternative that is a healthier option.

Orange Slices Cartoon

One more fun thing that can be associated with orange slices is their animated content, often personified or used visually for a good laugh. In some children shows, food characters are made playful to encourage healthy eating. So, while there isn’t one specific show dedicated to orange slices, their cheerful and simple shape make them popular and relatable visual cartoons.

Orange slices have many ways to keep things delicious, healthy, and enjoyable all through the summer, whether you simply eat them on their own or add it to your everyday meals or beverages. And all you have to do is find a fun and creative way to increase your fruit intake with orange slices this summer. So, let’s explore some of the best ways to use orange slices.

1. Infused Water or Cocktails

On a hot summer’s day get creative and stay hydrated by assembling your own refreshing drink/s to share with family and friends on the porch or on a lonesome afternoon. Start off small with adding fresh orange slices to your water. Giving it that delightful taste which will possibly even keep you motivated to get through at least 64 ounces of freshly infused orange sliced water. 

Infused water is a tasty and healthy choice instead of sweet beverages. Adding some orange slices to your water not only makes it taste better by adding natural sweetness and flavor, but it also gives it a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants. 

Orange slices also happen to be key in mixology, because they give cocktails taste, scent, and a perfected touch. Oranges add a fresh citrus flavor that taste great when combined with the bitter and sweet ingredients, when they are mixed into a drink.

Fresh orange slices are also enhanced in more complicated recipes like old margaritas, or citrusy gin spritzers, and they’re a traditional addition to drinks like sangrias, mimosas, and screwdrivers. Including slices of dehydrated oranges can too be used as an elegant decoration to add texture and visual appeal to your delicious drinks.

Get even more creative and make those memorable fun refreshing drinks, with orange slices to help you kick it back. Orange Slices have a distinct taste that you cannot miss, and it can only get better with a touch of anything else you want. 

Here’s a quick and easy Orange & Berry Citrus Spritzer Cocktail for you to try –

You’ll need:

• 2-3 fresh orange slices
• Some fresh berries (strawberries or blueberries should do the trick)
• 1 shot of vodka or gin (your choice)
• ½ a cup of sparkling water or tonic (be as creative as you can be)
• Ice cubes (for that cold refreshing sensation)
• Mint leaves 

Instructions:

1. Smash or grind the berries and add 1 orange slice in your glass to let out the juices.
2. Add some ice cubes and pour in the orange juice and vodka.
3. Pour in the sparkling water and stir gently.
4. Let your creativity flow on this part and decorate the drink with the remaining orange slices and a mint leaf.
5. Serve it with a side of your choice – it really brings things together.
6. And finally, enjoy the delicious refreshing drink peacefully.

2. Dried Orange Slices

Snacking doesn’t have to be basic. Dried oranges make for a tasty and nutritious go-to healthy snack that is both convenient and filled with flavor right at your fingertips. The natural sugars give you the healthy energy you need this summer without any added preservative. Making it a better, satisfying option compared to processed snacks giving you that sweet-tart taste and a chewy texture. 

When you dry oranges, their flavors get stronger, making a sweet and sour taste that is pleasant and enjoyable. So, when making or buying dried orange slices from a store, they rarely have any added sugars or fake flavors like other processed fruit snacks do. The delicate drying process makes the citrus flavor stronger, giving the candy-like treat a chewy texture and no guilt. Perfect for that sweet tooth! 

One of the best things about dried orange slices is how long it lasts. They can last for weeks or even months without refrigeration, if you dry them well and keep them in an airtight container. These are great for meal prep, road trips, hiking, or just keeping it in the office drawer for a quick snack that will fuel you up. They are easy to carry, don’t make a mess, and light.

Try making your own ‘Dried Orange Slices’ this summer

What you’ll need:

• 2-4 fresh oranges 
• For more flavor ; ground cinnamon or sugar

Instructions:

Method 1

1. Preheat the oven to 90-95°C or the lowest setting your oven allows
2. Slice the oranges into even rounds – after a thorough wash
3. Pat the orange slices dry with a kitchen paper towel to speed up the drying process
4. Place the oranges in a line on a baking sheet or a wire tray without overlapping the orange slices on top of each other
5. Sprinkle some sugar or cinnamon powder on the slices for more flavor
6. Bake the semi dry orange slices for 2.5-5 hours, making sure you flip them half way through
7. Eyeball the dried orange slices – they should have an almost shrink like appearance before they are ready
8. Once dry and no longer sticky, cool the orange slices on a tray
9. Finally, store them in an airtight container – ready to be devoured

Method 2

1. Wash and thinly slice your fresh oranges
2. Air dry the orange slices for 2-4 days – place the orange slices on a wire rack or hang them with a string in an air conditioned environment. Let the orange slices dry naturally, flipping them once a day.
3. Once the orange slices are fully dry and cool, store them in a sealed container.

Experience your own delightful treat at home, and easily reward yourself with this delicious, nutritious and naturally sweet snack that you can enjoy any time of the day this summer.

3. Orange Slices as a Salad Booster

Salads don’t have to be boring, get smart with it and introduce more flavor, great texture and more nutrients to your salad with orange slices. Experience the natural; sweetness that balances out the bitter greens, while their tangy flavor adds a refreshing contrast to the savory ingredients. Sliced oranges bring out the juicy texture to every bite, complementing crunchy elements in the salad.

In a salad, orange slices add a sweet and sour flavor that balances the bitterness of greens like arugula or kale, the saltiness of feta cheese or olives, and the spiciness of radishes or red onions. Orange slices enhance the salad’s overall flavor, turning even basic greens into a gourmet dish. The natural tanginess of oranges boosts flavors in salads, making them great for combining them with ingredients like avocado, grilled chicken, or nuts.

Oranges don’t just belong in salads; they can also be the main ingredient in the salad dressing. They make for a great vinaigrette that brings everything in your salad together with a light, refreshing touch. 

Always remember how pretty it is, because when you add orange slices to a salad it makes it look fresh and inviting with a vibrant bright color. These bright colors go well with green leaves, red berries, white cheeses, and more, making your dish look as good as it tastes.

So, don’t get bored yet with your summer salads. Get smart with it, by keeping your salads vibrant and fresh with some orange slices to bring out the color, brightness and flavor.

Delight in your own culinary ideas this summer with this simple ‘Citrus-Infused Orange Slice Salad’: 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 medium oranges, peeled and sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens (play around with some arugula, spinach, or baby kale)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ sliced avocado
• A ¼  cup of crumbled feta or goat cheese
• ¼ cup roasted almonds or walnuts for that crunchy texture 
• Fresh mint or basil leaves for to garnish the salad

Citrus Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice (from one of the oranges)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for some extra sweetness)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instruction: 

1. Prepare the dressing in a small bowl, by whisking together the orange juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until it is all mixed together properly.
2. Assemble the salad in a large bowl or a serving dish – mixed greens, topped with fresh orange slices, red onions, avocado, nuts and cheese.
3. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and garnish with mint leaves for that last bit of freshness.

4. A Pleasing Scent with Orange Slices

Why not keep the magic going and discover refreshing scents with orange slices. Orange slices can be used as a natural air freshener, bringing a clean, citrusy scent into your space. When dried, orange slices release essential oils that neutralize unwanted odors and leave behind a lingering pleasant smell. With their heightened scent and attractive appearance that make them perfect for decorative, scented arrangement around the house.

As orange slices are cut and dried, their oils slowly drain out. The scent is refreshing and energizing. Orange slices can be deemed a great natural deodorizer for bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces. Unlike synthetic options, orange slices reduce odors with pleasant, relaxing tones instead of just masking them with strong scents. 

Orange slices can be used as an air freshener in many quick, easy and creative ways. One popular way is the simmer pot. Which works well in any season because of the steam that  releases a warm, zesty smell that fills your home. Another idea is to create your own scent sachets/bags by using dried orange slices. These sachets/bags are great for keeping things smelling fresh. Making it perfect to place them in closets, drawers, cars, or even garbage cans.

So, open up your mind to a more natural air freshener, that is a fun DIY experience that can be shared with those around you. One of the simplest and effective options of using orange slices. Not only do they smell amazing, but also offer a warm, inviting aesthetic that lightens up any room. 

Try this Simmer Pot Air Freshener out for a pleasing aroma

What you need:

• Grab some fresh or dried orange slices.
• A few cinnamon sticks
• Cloves 
• Fresh rosemary or vanilla extract (best to choose one that works for your senses)
• Water

How To Use:

• Add the ingredients in a pot
• Fill the pot with water and simmer it on low heat. 
• Let the steam carry the natural aroma throughout your space. 
• Gradually refill with water as needed.

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it, orange slice is a colorful, versatile ingredient with a number of uses that go beyond giving dishes a citrus flavored boost. Orange slices bring a refreshing touch to daily life, whether they are used as dried slices for snacks, decoration, or scented air fresheners, or even fresh slices in salads and infused water – the choice is yours. Get smart and creative this summer and explore your own best use for orange slices. Let us know in the comments what you come up with!

FAQs:

Q1. How do I store fresh orange slices?

Store fresh orange slices in an airtight container/drum in the refrigerator or cold environment. They are most likely to stay fresh for 2-3 days. 

Q2. What can I do with leftover orange slices?

Leftover orange slices can be added in smoothies, salads or even simmered with spices as a natural air freshener.

Q3. Are orange peels edible?

While orange peels are edible, it’s usually bitter and not very tasty. If you do want to use the orange peel, consider grating it in your favourite dishes.

Q4. Do orange slices help with hydration?

Yes, orange slices are about 85–90% water. Snacking on oranges or adding slices to water can help keep you hydrated, especially during this hot season.

Q5. Are orange slices good for you?

Yes, orange slices are good for you. They are rich in vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and improves your skin health.

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