Orange extract is not just a pantry essential but also a delightful gift. Stored properly, it lasts 2-3 years, bringing a burst of citrus to your recipes. Add zest to everything from baked goods to beverages.
To zest an orange with a knife, carefully remove the outer layer of the peel to control the thickness while avoiding the bitter white part.
Zesting an orange with a knife helps to preserve the oils contained within the zest, as they are held together better compared to other methods. This means that you won’t lose as much of the flavorful oils before incorporating the zest into your extract.
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HELPFUL EQUIPMENT
- 8 Pack [1 Liter / 33 fl. oz.] Swing Top Glass Bottles w/ Airtight Stopper Lids
- 6 Pack 8 Ounce Empty Glass Bottles with Lids, Amber
- Cone Shaped Fine Mesh Strainer
Ingredients:
- 5-6 Oranges Large Zested
- 1 liter Vodka or Everclear
For a strong but small batch use:
- Zest of 2-3 large oranges (organic, if possible)
- 1 cup vodka or Everclear (190 proof)
Steps:
- Wash and thoroughly dry your chosen flavoring ingredients.
- Zest your oranges with a knife.
Infusion:
- Place zest into a clean, airtight glass jar.
- Pour base alcohol over the ingredients to completely submerge them.
- Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for optimal infusion.
Steeping:
- Allow the zest to steep in the alcohol for several weeks to several months, depending on the desired intensity of flavor.
- Shake the jar occasionally to redistribute the flavors.
Straining:
- Once steeping is complete, strain the extract through a fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or coffee filter to remove solid particles.
- Press gently to extract as much liquid as possible.
Storage:
- Transfer the strained extract into clean, airtight bottles or jars.
- Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
Notes:
- Patience is key: Allow sufficient time for the flavors to fully infuse into the alcohol.
- Quality matters: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Experiment and customize: Feel free to mix and match flavoring ingredients to create unique blends.
- Labeling: Be sure to label your homemade extracts with the date and ingredients for future reference.
- Shelf life: Homemade extracts can last for an extended period if stored properly, but flavors may diminish over time.
Orange extract
Ingredients
- 5-6 large oranges (organic, if possible)
- 1 liter Everclear (190 proof or higher)
Instructions
- Wash the oranges thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides. Organic oranges are preferable since you'll be using the zest.
- Using a vegetable peeler or zester, carefully remove the outer orange zest from the oranges, avoiding the bitter white pith as much as possible. Only the colored part of the peel is needed.
- Place the orange zest strips or grated zest into a clean, airtight glass jar.
- Pour the Everclear over the orange zest until it's completely covered.
- Seal the jar tightly with its lid.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, shaking gently every few days to agitate the mixture and aid in the extraction process.
- After 2 weeks, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container to remove the orange zest.
- Transfer the strained orange extract into a clean, airtight bottle or jar for storage.
- Label with the preparation date.
- Store the orange extract in a cool, dark place.
- Use the extract in recipes as desired, such as in baking, cooking, or flavoring beverages.
Notes
- Use only the orange zest for the extract.
- Longer infusion time results in stronger flavor.
- Store in a cool, dark place for best preservation.
- Labeling helps track aging and freshness.
- Enjoy in various recipes for a citrusy kick!
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I like to put a spin on popular dishes and creating new dishes, using foraged foods.
i hunt, fish, raise many different kinds of animals, and have a wide variety of ways of getting my own food.
i very much enjoy plant, tree, mushroom identification and there uses for food, beverage and medicine.
follow along! as i create dishes using all of the things that grow outside your door.
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