How can I preserve an orange (peel) for as long as possible?
Not really cooking-related, but I thought I might ask here anyway. I got some signatures on an orange, and want to preserve them for as long as possible. Should I peel the orange? Freeze it? I heard something about moisture-controlled refrigeration?
I'm willing to spend up to about $40 US, so of anyone has any ideas about this that'd be helpful. Thanks!!!
Best Answer
Speaking of dehydration, it is possible to dry out a piece of orange peel. If you do it properly so it does not rot or get moldy, it will last for years, although it will gradually use its aroma. The problem is that it will shrink when dehydrating, resulting in a worse-looking surface and possibly distorting the signature. A largish section is also practically impossible to flatten, so you will have to live with a curled piece-of-sphere shape. The end product is very stiff and somewhat brittle, with irregular surface whose color is a darkened, somewhat dirty looking orange, not the bright hue of the fresh peel.
You can find instructions for drying orange peel for use in teas or as ground spice. The way we used to do it at my parent's home was to put a single layer of peel pieces on a high shelf and let them sit there for a few weeks. This will not work if your climate is humid, so you might prefer a method using a dehydrator or a low oven.
This site has not only instructions, but also a good picture of the end result. They remove most of the pith (the white part) to prevent bitterness, but in your case, it is preferable to leave 3-4 mm to ensure structural integrity. You can leave all of it if it is a thin-peel variety, but remove some if it is very thick, because you risk rotting and bad texture and geometry.
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Quick Answer about "How can I preserve an orange (peel) for as long as possible?"
The best way to store your orange peel preserve is by pouring it into sterilised glass jars (boil them in some water for a few minutes) and cover when it has cooled down completely. Store into the fridge for 6 to 8 months.How do you preserve orange peels forever?
You can freeze orange peels (or any citrus) very successfully. When you have a sufficient quantity, you might choose to candy them, which should last at least several weeks if stored in a cool, dry environment, probably months if well dried as part of the candying process.How long can you keep orange peel?
Properly stored, dried orange peel will generally stay at best quality for about 2 to 3 years. To maximize the shelf life of dried orange peel purchased in bulk, and to better retain flavor and potency, store in containers with tight-fitting lids.Can you freeze orange peels for later use?
Unless you plan to use the zest right away, stashing large slivers of citrus peel in your freezer is a great way to preserve their flavor until the day it's needed.How do you preserve orange peel for decorations?
Spread zest on a parchment lined baking sheet and allow to dry at low temperature in the oven. This takes anywhere from 30 minutes for finely zested peels, to several hours for thicker zests. Allow to cool completely and store in an airtight jar in your fridge.Preserving Orange Peel For Use In Baking
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Answer 2
Whole fresh oranges, refrigerated, should last 1-2 months per Eat By Date.
You can freeze orange peels (or any citrus) very successfully.
When you have a sufficient quantity, you might choose to candy them, which should last at least several weeks if stored in a cool, dry environment, probably months if well dried as part of the candying process.
You can also try freezing the juice, but the quality of fresh orange juice tends to be ephemeral. You may be better off enjoying it immediately.
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