This Seville Orangeade sort of reminds me of Tang, or what Tang would taste like if it were made from fresh, whole ingredients. Or for those of us who outgrew Tang, think, Orangina but without the carbonation.
What Are Seville Oranges?
Seville oranges are bitter-tasting oranges that are traditionally used to make orange marmalade. They are very sour, not sweet, and have a wonderful flavor. You can use them as a substitute for lemons in many recipes. They are also a defining flavor in many Mexican recipes. Inspired by my colleague Marc’s recipe for whole lemon lemonade and I decided to try out the method with a bunch of leftover bitter Seville oranges I had from making marmalade.
Where to Get Seville Bitter Oranges
Bitter or sour oranges are needed to make this orangeade recipe; it doesn’t really work with regular juice oranges. Where can you find bitter oranges?
You can order them online. Melissa’s Produce carries them in season (late winter and early spring). Farmer’s Markets. In areas where citrus is grown, sometimes you can find farmers offering Seville oranges at local farmers markets, in season. Local markets with good produce sections. In some areas some local grocery stores may sell Seville oranges when they are in season. Look out for them and ask your local grocer! You can forage them. Seville orange trees have been used as ornamental trees in landscaping. Sometimes you can find the trees growing in old city street boulevards (in warm areas where citrus can be grown.) Here in California navel oranges are often grafted onto bitter orange root stock which is hardy. Sometimes the root stock takes over the orange tree and one year you find yourself with bitter seedy Seville oranges growing on your tree instead of sweet, seedless navel oranges.
Most people don’t have the patience for marmalade making, for which these oranges are ideally suited. This Seville orangeade is an easy way to use up those otherwise ignored oranges and make a delicious, refreshing drink at the same time. They would work great for an orange sorbet as well!
