(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading...
Orange in syrup is a versatile and delicious ingredient that professionals use in a wide variety of dishes, desserts and cocktails. However, a common question that arises among consumers and professionals is whether these oranges are truly natural.
To answer this question, in this post we are going to explore the process of preparing the orange slices in syrup, from fruit collection to packaging. We are also going to see the main characteristics that they must have so that professionals choose them for their preparations.
Table of Contents
The process of making orange in syrup slices
Let’s see step by step how oranges in syrup are made to know if they are really natural or not.
Step: selection and collection of fruit
The first step in making quality oranges in syrup is to carefully select the raw material. Oranges must be picked at their optimal point of ripeness to ensure ideal flavor and texture. If the optimal ripening point is exceeded, the central part of the orange from which the different segments come, called columella, loses its firmness. If this happens, when the orange is cut into slices, they open in their central part. That creates a hole in the center, detracting from the good visual appearance of the product.
Step: washing and calibrating
This step is very important to ensure that the oranges are safe and enjoyable to consume. In the case of the oranges we use, we avoid giving them the bath that gives supermarket oranges their shine. This is because our product is presented in slices including the skin. In this way we prevent any type of product from affecting the original flavor of the product.
We use previously calibrated oranges with a diameter of 55-60 mm to ensure the uniformity of the product as much as possible once cut into slices.
Step: cutting and packaging
The already calibrated oranges are introduced into a machine that cuts the slices, as well as rejecting the first slices from each pole. We do it that way because their size is excessively small and contains a greater amount of albedo. If these slices are not removed, the good presentation of the product and its usability performance for our customers would be diminished, since they would have to eliminate them on their own.
Once cut, we placed the orange slices in the cans manually, to avoid breaking them.
Step: preparation of the syrup
At the same time, the syrup is prepared, which is added to the can after the slices. Syrup is a solution of water and sugar in different concentrations that is used to preserve fruits. Depending on the client’s needs or tastes, we use a light syrup (about 15 degrees brix in the final product) or a dense syrup (about 35 degrees brix in the final product).
We then add only vitamin C and citric acid to this liquid to obtain the desired acidity and stop the darkening of the product’s color. This addition also extends the useful life of the product once applied by our clients in their final products.
Step: closing and pasteurization
Once the orange and syrup are added to the glass containers or cans, they undergo a pasteurization process to guarantee their long-term conservation. The containers are hermetically sealed under controlled conditions to avoid any type of contamination. This heat treatment guarantees the safety of the food and the conservation of the product.
Main characteristics of quality orange in syrup
These are the characteristics that professionals look for when choosing a supplier of oranges in syrup:
Flavor and texture
Quality oranges in syrup must maintain the characteristic flavor of fresh fruit, with an appropriate balance between sweetness and acidity, without being excessive or cloying. They should also maintain a firm consistency. A good texture allows the fruit to be easily handled without losing its shape, something very important when presenting desserts (orange slices with cinnamon and honey, orange slices with Cointreau…), cocktails (Garibaldi, Orange Blossom…) and culinary preparations (Duck confit, Orange and cod salad…)
Uniform and attractive color
The appearance of oranges is crucial for professionals who use oranges in syrup in desserts and products that require an attractive presentation. Therefore, oranges should have a uniform and bright color, without spots or discolorations.
Natural ingredients
Oranges in syrup must be made with natural ingredients of the highest quality, without unnecessary artificial additives. Although the percentage of sugar in this product is not high, it is possible to make it using sweeteners suitable for diabetics.
Orange in syrup versatility
Quality oranges in syrup should be versatile enough so that professionals can use them in a variety of culinary applications. From garnishing a cake to becoming the star ingredient in a cocktail or as part of the garnish of a dish, its flavor and texture should complement and enhance any culinary creation.
Natural orange in syrup: why choose Lazaya?
Professionals seeking to satisfy their customers want to choose delicious oranges in syrup that meet the strictest quality standards. Therefore, at Lazaya, we strive to offer a wide catalog that covers all your needs. For example, natural oranges in syrup with sugar at different brix or with sweeteners suitable for diabetics.
Another peculiarity why many pastry chefs and chefs choose Lazaya’s oranges in syrup is because of the raw material. The Mediterranean, where we source our raw materials, is a privileged region worldwide for the cultivation of this fruit. Without a doubt, a plus to take into account that greatly increases the quality of the final product.
Therefore, regarding the question of whether oranges in syrup are natural, we can say that they could be considered a natural product since they are made following a careful process and without adding artificial additives that alter their composition. Furthermore, it also influences selection of quality natural fruit, the proper treatment and the perfect balance of sugar and water in the preparation of the syrup.
We encourage you to contact us if you want to resolve any questions about this or any other matter related to our products. We have more than 80 years of experience in preparing oranges in syrup. Talk later?
