How many oranges for 8 oz juice?
If you love fresh squeezed orange juice, you’ve probably wondered how many oranges it takes to make a glass. The answer depends on a few factors, including orange size and juicing method. In this article, we’ll break down exactly how many oranges you need for 8 ounces of juice.
TL;DR
On average, you need about 4 medium oranges to make 8 ounces of fresh squeezed juice. However, orange size can vary, so you may need 3-6 oranges. Juicing method also impacts yield. Hand squeezing generally extracts less juice than commercial machines. For hand squeezing, plan on 4-5 oranges for 8 ounces of juice. With an electric juicer, you can get 8 ounces with just 3-4 oranges.
Determining Orange Size
Oranges come in different sizes, which affects juice yield. The main commercial grades are:
- Small – 2-1/4″ to 2-3/4″ diameter
- Medium – 2-3/4″ to 3-1/4″ diameter
- Large – 3-1/4″ to 3-1/2″ diameter
A larger orange contains more juice than a smaller one. On average, one medium orange yields about 2 ounces or 1/4 cup of juice. So for 8 ounces you would need 4 medium oranges. However, orange size can vary within each grade range. And juice content depends on varietal, growing conditions, and ripeness.
Juice Yield by Orange Size
Here’s a more detailed overview of expected juice yields for different orange sizes:
| Orange Size | Average Diameter | Juice Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 2-1/4″ – 2-3/4″ | 3-5 tbsp |
| Medium | 2-3/4″ – 3-1/4″ | 5-6 tbsp |
| Large | 3-1/4″ – 3-1/2″ | 6-8 tbsp |
As you can see, juice yield can range quite a bit even within one size grade. A small orange may produce as little as 3 tablespoons while a large one can give up to 8 tablespoons.
Factoring in Juicing Method
The juicing method you use also affects liquid extracted from oranges. Hand squeezing typically yields less than electric juicing. Here’s a comparison:
| Juicing Method | Juice Yield Per Orange |
|---|---|
| Hand Squeezing | 2-3 tbsp |
| Electric Citrus Juicer | 3-5 tbsp |
| Electric Juice Extractor | 4-6 tbsp |
An electric citrus juicer or juice extractor gets more juice out of oranges than manual squeezing. So you may need fewer oranges if using a commercial machine rather than hand squeezing.
Expected Orange Quantities for 8 oz Juice
Given the juice yield ranges, here are the typical numbers of oranges needed to make 8 fluid ounces or 1 cup of juice:
- Hand Squeezing: 4-5 medium oranges
- Electric Citrus Juicer: 3-4 medium oranges
- Electric Juice Extractor: 3 medium oranges
With hand squeezing, you’ll get the best results from 4-5 medium oranges. While a good electric juicer may only need 3-4. But this can vary based on the actual size and juice content of the oranges themselves.
Calculate From Orange Weights
Another option is to estimate needed orange quantity by weight. On average, a medium orange weighs about 130g or 4.5oz. And juice yield is typically 40-60% of the orange’s weight. Here’s a rough guideline for 8oz juice based on orange weights:
| Orange Weight | Number of Oranges |
|---|---|
| 4 oranges at 4.5oz (130g) each | 4 oranges |
| 5 oranges at 3.5oz (100g) each | 5 oranges |
| 6 oranges at 3oz (85g) each | 6 oranges |
You can fine tune the numbers by weighing your actual oranges. But in general, you’ll need about 18-24oz (500-700g) total orange weight to yield 8oz of juice.
Squeezing Tips for Maximum Juice
To get the most juice out of oranges, follow these tips when squeezing:
- Roll the orange on a hard surface before squeezing to break down pulp.
- Squeeze garlic press-style in multiple directions rather than end-to-end.
- Twist the rind at the end to flatten and squeeze out remaining juice.
- Run squeezed rind pulp through strainer to capture any last drops.
If using an electric juicer, run the orange halves through a second time after removing the rind to maximize extraction. And for any method, let oranges come to room temperature before juicing for greatest yields.
Try Different Orange Varieties
The most common orange for juicing is the Valencia, a late season variety. But early season navels and other types also make good juice. Here are some top options:
- Valencia – Thin skinned, seedless, and juicy. The ideal juicing orange.
- Navel – Sweet, seedless, with moderate juice. Good early season choice.
- Cara Cara – Pink fleshed navel type with sweet low acid flavor.
- Blood Orange – Distinctive red flesh and juice. Nice blend of sweet and tart.
Experiment with different orange varieties through the seasons to find your favorites for juicing. The carbohydrate and vitamin C content will remain similar, but flavors can vary.
Make Your Own Orange Juice Blends
Orange juice blends nicely with other fruit juices. Try mixing in apples, carrots, mangos, or pineapple. You can also include lemon, lime, grapefruit or other citrus. Here are a few tasty orange juice blend recipes to try:
Sunrise Orange Juice
- 1 orange
- 1 grapefruit
- 1 lemon
- 1 lime
- 1 tbsp honey
Oranges ‘n Pineapple Juice
- 4 oranges
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 tsp ginger (optional)
Carrot Orange Juice
- 4 oranges
- 2 carrots
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Get creative and make your own favorite orange juice combinations! Adjust the quantities to yield 8 ounces or any amount of juice you want.
Juice and Enjoy!
Freshly squeezed orange juice makes for a delicious and nutritious beverage any time of day. Now that you know approximately how many oranges it takes to make 8oz of juice, you can easily juice up a glass or pitcher full. Just be sure to drink it right away to enjoy maximum vitamin C and flavor. Happy juicing!