{"id":2014,"date":"2026-01-18T18:38:57","date_gmt":"2026-01-18T18:38:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/quieronaranjas.com\/blog\/?p=2014"},"modified":"2026-01-18T19:09:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-18T19:09:37","slug":"bitter-oranges-what-they-are-how-they-are-used-and-why-they-are-the-base-of-english-marmalade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/quieronaranjas.com\/blog\/en\/bitter-oranges-what-they-are-how-they-are-used-and-why-they-are-the-base-of-english-marmalade\/","title":{"rendered":"Bitter Oranges: What They Are, How They Are Used and Why They Are the Base of English Marmalade"},"content":{"rendered":"

What are bitter oranges?<\/h2>\n

The bitter orange is a traditional citrus fruit from the Mediterranean region, clearly different from the sweet oranges commonly eaten fresh or used for juice. Its flavour is much more intense and distinctly bitter, especially in the peel and the white inner layer.<\/p>\n

For this reason, bitter oranges are not usually eaten fresh, but they have been valued for centuries for culinary uses such as marmalades, preserves and the use of their aromatic peel.<\/p>\n

An old variety, not an ornamental one<\/h2>\n

It is important to point out that these bitter oranges are not the typical ornamental varieties produced today by many nurseries for gardens, parks or urban areas in Mediterranean climates.<\/p>\n

Our bitter oranges come from old trees that have been growing in our orchards for decades. They are traditional agricultural varieties that were cultivated when bitter oranges had a real purpose in the kitchen, especially for making marmalade.<\/p>\n

Why bitter oranges are ideal for marmalade<\/h2>\n

Bitter oranges are especially appreciated for marmalade because almost the whole fruit can be used. The peel and the white inner layer provide the characteristic bitter and aromatic flavour.<\/p>\n

They also contain a naturally high level of pectin, which helps the marmalade set properly without the need for artificial gelling agents. For this reason, bitter oranges are still considered the classic fruit for traditional orange marmalade.<\/p>\n

The origin of the term \u201cEnglish marmalade\u201d<\/h2>\n

What is commonly known today as English marmalade actually has its origins in the Mediterranean. For centuries, ships from England loaded bitter oranges in ports in southern Spain, especially in Seville and other Mediterranean areas.<\/p>\n

These oranges were taken to England, where the famous \u201cSeville orange marmalade\u201d became popular. Over time, the name English marmalade remained, even though the fruit traditionally came from the Mediterranean.<\/p>\n

Why we sell bitter oranges only at this time of year<\/h2>\n

In our orchards, we still preserve a small number of old trees that produce bitter oranges. This variety is rarely planted nowadays, which means that production is naturally limited.<\/p>\n

For this reason, we offer bitter oranges only during their short season, selling them directly from the farmer and respecting the natural rhythm of the trees.<\/p>\n

How to use bitter oranges at home<\/h2>\n

Bitter oranges are mainly used for:<\/p>\n