Bitter Orange 101: Nutrition, Benefits, How To Use, Buy, Store | Bitter Oranges: A Complete Guide

What is Bitter Orange

Bitter orange is a type of citrus fruit that looks kind of like a regular orange but is much more sour and bitter. It’s native to Southeast Asia, but now it grows in many parts of the world. The peel of bitter orange is often used in things like marmalade and flavoring, and some people even use its oil for perfumes and medicines. Its juice is way too sour to eat like a regular orange, though. In traditional medicine, it’s been used for digestive issues, but nowadays, it’s also found in some weight-loss supplements. You gotta be careful, though, because too much of it can cause some serious health problems like increased heart rate or high blood pressure. Bitter orange definitely has a strong, punchy flavor and smell, but it’s not the kind of orange you’d want to just peel and eat.

Other Names of Bitter Orange

Bitter orange goes by quite a few different names, depending on where you are or what it’s being used for. Here’s a list of some of the more common names:

• Seville Orange – This name comes from a city in Spain where bitter orange is grown a lot and used in marmalade.
• Sour Orange – Pretty straightforward, right? It’s sour, so some people call it sour orange.
• Bigarade Orange – This one is a bit fancier, used more in cooking and perfumes.
• Neroli – It’s the name of the essential oil that comes from the flowers of the bitter orange tree.
• Citrus Aurantium – The scientific name, which might sound a little complicated, but it’s what you’ll see on ingredient lists.
• Marmalade Orange – Since the peel is often used to make marmalade, some people refer to it by this name.

It’s kinda interesting how one fruit can have so many names depending on its use.

Nutritional Value of Bitter Orange

The nutritional composition of bitter orange can vary, but here’s a general overview of the nutritional value of 100 grams of raw bitter orange fruit:

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	43 kcal
Water	86.75 g
Protein	1.04 g
Carbohydrates	8.2 g
Sugars	8.2 g
Fiber	2.2 g
Fat	0.2 g
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)	43.2 mg
Thiamine (B1)	0.084 mg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.03 mg
Niacin (B3)	0.4 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)	0.25 mg
Vitamin B6	0.09 mg
Folate (B9)	23 μg
Vitamin A	71 IU
Vitamin E	0.2 mg
Potassium	181 mg
Calcium	43 mg
Iron	0.2 mg
Magnesium	17 mg
Phosphorus	16 mg
Zinc	0.25 mg
Manganese	0.03 mg

Benefits of Bitter Orange

Bitter orange has a bunch of uses, and people say it offers some pretty cool benefits. Here’s a list of some of the most common ones:

• Helps with digestion – In traditional medicine, bitter orange has been used to help with stomach issues like indigestion or constipation.
• Boosts metabolism – Some people believe bitter orange can help speed up metabolism, which is why it’s often found in weight-loss supplements. But, you gotta be careful with this one!
• Supports skin health – The oil from bitter orange, especially neroli, is sometimes used in skincare products to improve the appearance of the skin and make it feel smoother.
• Natural energy booster – Some people take it as a natural way to increase energy and reduce tiredness, though you have to be cautious because it can raise heart rate.
• Antimicrobial properties – It has some antibacterial and antifungal properties, so it’s sometimes used in cleaning products or natural remedies to fight off germs.
• Used in aromatherapy – The scent of bitter orange is often used to reduce stress and uplift mood. It has a calming but also slightly energizing aroma.

Just keep in mind, while these benefits sound great, bitter orange isn’t for everyone.

Varieties of Bitter Orange

Bitter orange actually comes in a few different varieties, and each one has its own unique features. Here’s a list of some of the more well-known ones:

• Seville Orange – This is probably the most famous variety, especially for making marmalade. It’s super sour and bitter, and it’s grown a lot in Spain.
• Bergamot Orange – You might know this one because its oil is used in Earl Grey tea. It’s a bit less bitter than other types and has a really nice, almost floral fragrance.
• Daidai – A variety from East Asia, especially Japan. It’s used a lot in traditional medicines and ceremonies, and the fruit is super sour.
• Curacao Orange – This variety is mainly used to make orange liqueurs, like the blue-colored Curacao. The peel has a strong flavor that’s good for cocktails and cooking.
• Bouquetier de Nice – A smaller variety that’s mostly used for ornamental purposes, but its flowers can be distilled for essential oils like neroli.

Each of these varieties has its own special use, but they all share that signature bitterness that makes bitter orange stand out.

What Does Bitter Orange Taste Like

Bitter orange has a pretty intense taste, way different from the sweet oranges most people are used to. It’s really sour and, as the name says, bitter. The bitterness hits you right away, and it’s not the kind of fruit you’d want to just peel and eat like a snack. Some people say it’s kind of like biting into a lemon but with an extra strong, almost sharp, bitter aftertaste. The peel is especially bitter, which is why it’s often used in marmalades, where sugar can help balance out that strong flavor. It’s also a bit more fragrant than sweet oranges, with a slightly floral note, but yeah, the bitterness really stands out the most. If you’re into intense flavors, it might be your thing, but most people don’t eat it fresh.

How To Use Bitter Orange

There are a bunch of ways you can use bitter orange, even though it’s not something you’d just eat fresh. Here’s a list of some common uses:

• Marmalade – The peel of bitter orange is perfect for making marmalade because its bitterness balances out the sweetness of the sugar, giving it a unique flavor.
• Cooking and flavoring – The zest or peel can be added to sauces, marinades, or even desserts to give them a strong, citrusy punch. It’s especially used in Mediterranean dishes.
• Tea – Dried bitter orange peel is sometimes used to make herbal teas that are said to help with digestion or just for a strong, warming flavor.
• Essential oils – The flowers and peels are distilled into oils like neroli or orange blossom water, which are used in perfumes, skincare, and sometimes even in baking.
• Natural cleaner – The oil from bitter orange has antimicrobial properties, so it’s often used in eco-friendly cleaning products or homemade cleaners.
• Aromatherapy – The scent of bitter orange is used in aromatherapy to help reduce stress or boost mood. Its smell is both calming and energizing.
• Supplements – Some people take bitter orange in supplement form for metabolism boosting or weight loss, but you gotta be careful because it can have side effects like increased heart rate.

Bitter orange is super versatile, but it’s definitely got a strong taste and effect.

Substitute for Bitter Orange

If you don’t have bitter orange on hand, there are some good substitutes that can get you a similar flavor, though they won’t be exactly the same. Here’s a list of some common substitutes:

• Regular orange with lemon juice – Mix the juice of a regular orange with a little lemon juice to mimic the sour and slightly bitter taste of bitter orange. It’s not quite as strong, but it works in most recipes.
• Grapefruit – Grapefruit has that bitter, tangy flavor that’s similar to bitter orange, especially if you’re using the zest or peel.
• Lime – If you want more of the sourness, lime can be a good substitute. It’s sharper and more sour, but can bring that citrus punch you need in cooking or drinks.
• Tangerine with a dash of vinegar – A tangerine will give you sweetness, but if you add just a small splash of vinegar, you can get closer to the bitter orange flavor, especially in savory dishes.
• Bergamot – If you can find bergamot, it’s a great substitute, especially in teas or desserts. It’s used in Earl Grey tea and has a similar floral bitterness.

Each of these options will give you a bit of that bitter or sour note, but bitter orange has such a strong, unique taste that these substitutes might not be a perfect match.

Where to Buy Bitter Orange

If you’re looking to buy bitter orange, there are a few places you can try. Here’s a list of options:

• Local specialty stores – Some grocery stores, especially ones that focus on international or Mediterranean foods, might carry bitter orange, especially when it’s in season.
• Farmers’ markets – Depending on where you live, you might find bitter orange at a local farmers’ market. It’s more common in warmer regions or places with diverse fruit selections.
• Health food stores – If you’re looking for supplements or essential oils made from bitter orange, health food stores or natural wellness shops often carry these products.
• Online – Websites like Amazon or Etsy often have bitter orange products like dried peel, essential oils, or even marmalade. You might even be able to find fresh fruit through some specialty online grocery stores.
• Ethnic markets – If you have access to Middle Eastern, Latin American, or Asian markets, you might find bitter orange sold there, either fresh or in preserved form.

Bitter orange isn’t as common as regular oranges, so you might have to look a little harder for it.

How To Store Bitter Orange

To make sure your bitter orange stays fresh and useful for as long as possible, here’s a detailed breakdown of how to store it:

• In the fridge (whole fruit) – Fresh bitter oranges can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. It’s best to put them in the crisper drawer, where the humidity is higher. This helps keep the fruit from drying out. You can place them in a plastic bag or just leave them loose, but if the air is too dry, you might want to use the bag to keep moisture in. You should check on them every few days to make sure they’re not getting soft or moldy.
• At room temperature (short-term storage) – If you plan to use your bitter oranges within a few days, you can leave them on the counter at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. However, they will start to dry out faster compared to when they’re in the fridge, so if you notice them getting a bit shriveled, it’s time to use them or move them to the fridge.
• Freezing the peel – The peel of bitter orange is packed with flavor, and freezing it is a great way to preserve that for later use. First, wash the orange thoroughly, then grate or peel off the zest (the colorful outer layer, avoiding the white pith underneath since it’s very bitter). Spread the zest out on a baking sheet and freeze it for an hour or two to prevent clumping. Once frozen, transfer it to an airtight bag or container. It will last up to 6 months, perfect for adding to recipes whenever you need that punch of citrus!
• Freezing the juice – Bitter orange juice is very strong, so freezing it in small portions is ideal. After juicing the orange, pour the juice into ice cube trays. Once the cubes are frozen, pop them out and store them in an airtight container or bag. This way, you can grab a cube or two whenever you need to add citrus flavor to sauces, marinades, or drinks. Frozen juice can last for about 3-4 months without losing its potency.
• Drying and storing the peel – If you have dried bitter orange peel, whether homemade or store-bought, keeping it fresh is easy. Store the dried peel in an airtight container, preferably in a cool, dark spot like a pantry. Avoid keeping it near heat or moisture because that can cause the peel to lose its flavor or even mold. Dried peel can last for several months, and it’s a great addition to teas or spice blends.
• Storing essential oils – Bitter orange essential oil, like other citrus oils, is sensitive to light and heat. Always keep the bottle tightly sealed, and store it in a dark, cool place like a drawer or cabinet away from direct sunlight. You can also keep it in the fridge if you use it less often. Just make sure the oil doesn’t get too cold or freeze, as that can affect the quality over time. Properly stored, essential oils can last for up to 1-2 years.

By following these storage tips, you can make sure that your bitter oranges—whether fresh, juiced, zested, or dried—stay as fresh and flavorful as possible for whenever you need them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bitter Orange