Bitter Orange

# Bitter Orange: Zest and Flavor for Your Kitchen Bitter orange, also known as Seville orange or sour orange, is a distinctive citrus fruit prized by home cooks and professional chefs for its intensely aromatic zest and tart juice. Unlike sweet oranges, bitter oranges deliver a complex flavor profile with subtle floral notes, making them an essential ingredient in kitchens worldwide. This versatile citrus fruit features a thick, dimpled peel in shades of orange and green, with flesh that's noticeably more acidic than standard oranges. Bitter orange is particularly beloved in Mediterranean, Latin American, and Middle Eastern cuisines, where it's been used for centuries to elevate both savory dishes and sweet treats. The culinary applications for bitter orange are remarkably diverse. Its juice is ideal for marinades, particularly for poultry and seafood, where the acidity tenderizes meat while infusing bright, sophisticated flavors. The fragrant zest adds complexity to baking projects, from marmalades and glazes to cakes and pastries. Many traditional recipes call for bitter orange juice as a key ingredient in authentic orange marmalade, while others use it to create signature sauces and vinaigrettes. The peel also makes beautiful candied strips for garnishing desserts or adding texture to chocolate confections. For cooking success, use bitter orange juice to brighten heavy sauces, deglaze pans, or create authentic Latin American dishes like seviche and Cuban mojo sauce. The zest pairs wonderfully with duck, pork, and chocolate, while the whole fruit can be juiced for beverages with remarkable depth. Store your bitter oranges at room temperature for up to two weeks, and grate the zest before juicing for maximum versatility. Whether you're crafting homemade marmalade or preparing restaurant-quality marinades, bitter orange delivers distinctive flavor that transforms ordinary recipes into culinary standouts.