Oranges are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways. Some people like to peel and segment oranges to eat them raw. Others use oranges to make juice or add them to recipes. But what about blending a whole orange – rind, pulp, and all? Let’s take a closer look at whether it’s possible to blend an entire orange, the potential benefits and downsides, and some tips if you want to try it.
Is It Possible to Blend an Entire Orange?
Yes, you can absolutely blend an entire orange in a high-powered blender! The key is having a blender that is strong enough to thoroughly pulverize the tough orange peel. Blenders that can handle blending whole oranges include:
- Vitamix
- Blendtec
- Ninja
- Cleanblend
- Other high-speed or commercial-grade blenders
Lower-powered blenders may struggle to fully break down the peel. But with a strong blender, you can blend oranges rind and all into a smooth, lump-free drink.
Potential Benefits of Blending Whole Oranges
There are some potential advantages to blending oranges whole rather than just juicing them:
- Higher fiber content – The white pith and peel are high in fiber, which provides bulk and can aid digestion.
- More nutrition – Some nutrients like vitamin C are concentrated more in the peel and pith.
- Reduced waste – Blending the entire fruit makes use of the whole thing rather than discarding parts.
- Greater satiety – The fiber and pulp can help you feel fuller compared to drinking just orange juice.
This table compares the nutrition in 1 medium orange (154g) when juiced vs. blended whole:
| Nutrient | Orange Juice (No Pulp), 1 Cup | Blended Whole Orange, 1 Orange |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 112 | 80 |
| Total Carbs | 25g | 21g |
| Fiber | 0.5g | 4.4g |
| Sugar | 21g | 17g |
| Protein | 2g | 1.7g |
| Vitamin C | 124mg (138% DV) | 82mg (91% DV) |
As you can see, blending the entire orange provides more filling fiber with fewer sugars and calories compared to orange juice alone. The vitamin C content is a bit lower when the whole orange is blended, but still provides over 90% of the recommended daily value.
Potential Downsides of Blending Whole Oranges
There are also some potential cons to keep in mind with blending complete oranges:
- Bitter taste – The pith and peel can add bitterness, which some people may not enjoy.
- Gritty texture – Tiny bits of peel may not fully blend up, creating a gritty or pulpy mouthfeel.
- Shorter shelf life – Without pasteurization, the mixture won’t keep as long as store-bought orange juice.
- Needs a powerful blender – Less effective blenders may not properly puree the peel.
- Not ideal for all recipes – The added fiber can give a different texture when cooking or baking.
While the nutrition may be excellent, the taste and texture are definitely different from straight orange juice. Some people love this while others prefer a smoother product. So it comes down to personal preference.
Tips for Blending a Whole Orange
If you want to try whipping up a batch of whole blended oranges, here are some tips:
- Wash oranges thoroughly first.
- Cut into quarters or eighths to help it blend easier.
- Remove any seeds, which can contribute bitterness.
- Use ripe, sweet oranges for maximum flavor.
- Add a bit of water or ice to help it blend smoothly.
- Consider blending in sweeter fruits like mangos or pineapples.
- Strain if you want to remove excess fiber or pulp.
- Drink immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3-5 days.
Experiment with different orange varieties like navel oranges or blood oranges. Valencia oranges are a great juicing orange, while Cara Cara oranges add a hint of raspberry flavor when blended whole.
Healthy Recipes Using Whole Blended Oranges
In addition to enjoying blended whole oranges on their own, you can also incorporate them into healthy recipes like:
- Orange Julius: Blend oranges with milk, honey, vanilla, and ice.
- Orange creamsicle smoothie: Blend oranges with banana, vanilla Greek yogurt, and milk.
- Orange pineapple smoothie: Blend oranges with pineapple, coconut water, ginger, and ice.
- Carrot orange juice: Mix carrot and orange juice for a nutrient-dense blend.
- Orange chickpea smoothie: Use oranges in place of oranges juice in smoothie recipes.
- Orange coconut chia pudding: Mix coconut milk with orange puree and chia seeds.
The fiber and texture of whole blended oranges can lend body and creaminess to smoothies. And you can freeze orange puree in ice cube trays for an easy way to boost nutrition and flavor in future shakes or other recipes.
Should You Blend Whole Oranges?
While juicing oranges provides a quick nutritious beverage, there are some benefits to blending the entire fruit. The additional fiber, nutrients, and bulk can aid digestion and potentially enhance the nutrition profile.
However, some may find the texture and taste of whole blended oranges to be unpalatable. The best way to decide if it’s right for you is to try it! When made in a powerful blender, it’s easy to experiment with blending oranges rind and all.
If you don’t enjoy drinking full blended oranges on their own, try working them into recipes like smoothies and chia puddings where other ingredients can balance out the texture. This lets you take advantage of the nutrients from the entire orange without completely compromising on taste or consistency.
So don’t be afraid to toss an entire orange into your blender! With a little creative experimenting, you may find a tasty new way to enjoy this nutritious citrus fruit.
