Fresh Orange Juice Recipe
Make Fresh Orange Juice Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Main
Optional / To Taste
Method
Prepare Fruit
- 1
Select and rinse
Choose 6 medium-to-large ripe, heavy-for-their-size oranges. Rinse them under cool running water and dry with a clean towel to remove any surface wax or residue.
- 2
Warm briefly (optional)
If oranges are straight from the refrigerator, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes or roll them firmly on the counter with your palm for 20–30 seconds to make juicing easier.
Juicing
- 3
Cut and extract juice
Cut each orange in half crosswise. Using a hand juicer (manual or electric) or a citrus reamer, press and twist each half to extract the juice. Collect juice in a large measuring cup or pitcher. For about 6 oranges you should get roughly 2 to 2 1/2 cups (480–600 ml) of juice depending on size and ripeness.
- 4
Strain (optional)
If you prefer a pulp-free juice, pour the extracted juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pitcher, pressing solids with the back of a spoon to extract more liquid. Discard seeds and fibrous solids. If you like pulp, skip this step.
Finish and Serve
- 5
Adjust sweetness and acidity
Taste the juice. If it needs sweetness, stir in up to 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar or 1 teaspoon simple syrup and mix until dissolved. If you want a brighter flavor, add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice and stir.
- 6
Dilute and chill
If the juice is very strong or pulpy, add up to 1 cup cold water to thin to your preferred consistency and mix. Add 8 ice cubes to the pitcher or directly into serving glasses to chill quickly.
- 7
Garnish and serve
Pour the fresh orange juice into glasses over ice. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint or a thin orange wheel if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
