Our Famous Fresh – Squeezed Orange Juice Recipe
Make Our Famous Fresh – Squeezed Orange Juice Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Fresh Orange Juice
Method
Fresh Orange Juice
Select and prepare fruit
Choose 6 medium-large ripe oranges (navel or Valencia). Ripe oranges will feel heavy for their size and have a bright, fragrant peel. Rinse the oranges under cool running water and pat dry.
Room-temperature or warm fruit
If oranges have been refrigerated, let them sit 10–15 minutes at room temperature or roll each orange firmly on the counter with the palm of your hand to help break down the segments and release more juice.
Cut and juice
Cut each orange in half crosswise. Using a manual citrus juicer (reamer) or a countertop electric citrus press, press and rotate each half to extract the juice. If using a handheld reamer, twist firmly until most juice is extracted. Collect juice in a pitcher or bowl. If using a high-speed blender, peel and segment the oranges, remove large seeds, blend briefly (10–15 seconds) until smooth, then pour through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into the pitcher to remove pulp if desired.
Adjust sweetness and consistency
Taste the fresh juice. If it's too intense or pulpy, stir in up to 1/4 cup (60 ml) filtered water to thin slightly. If you prefer sweeter juice, dissolve 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or add 1 teaspoon simple syrup and stir until incorporated. Add 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice if you want a brighter, more balanced flavor. Adjust sugar and water to taste.
Strain (optional)
If you want a smooth, pulp-free juice, pour the juice through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container, pressing gently on solids to extract remaining liquid. Discard pulp or save for use in smoothies or baking.
Chill and serve
If serving immediately over ice, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour juice over them. Otherwise chill the pitcher in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes to serve cold. Stir before serving as natural separation may occur. Serve within 24–48 hours for best flavor and freshness.
Storage
Store leftover juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. For best flavor, consume within 24 hours. Shake or stir before serving.