General Information
Bitter orange or Seville orange is a variety of orange that has a distinctive flavour. Its tree usually has a height of between 3 to 9 meters with a crown that is more compact than that of the sweet orange. The bitter orange fruit is round and rough-surfaced with a thick, aromatic, bitter peel. Bitter orange is native to southeastern Asia and particularly China where it was used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating indigestion, nausea, and constipation. Today, it is available all around the world, being mostly cultivated in southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, India, and Brazil.
Health Benefits
Bitter orange and its supplements are widely used in traditional medicine. It is used in to treat indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, anxiety and epilepsy. In modern medicine, given the high amount of vitamin C available in bitter orange, it is believed that bitter orange can be helpful in improving skin health and healing wounds. Moreover, it has been suggested that bitter orange may aid weight loss.
Delicious Ways to Use Dried Bitter Orange
Just like its fresh type, dried bitter orange is not usually consumed out-of-hand. However, it is widely used in global cuisine. For example, it can be used in different marinades to add flavour to fish and meat. Moreover, it can be used in many different alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktails and drinks.
Storage
Dried bitter orange should be stored in a cool and dry place in a sealed container.
