Citrus fruit is perfect all year ’round! Below I’ll show you how to quickly prep, peel, and supreme oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes for the best flavor.

Whether you’re making beverages, sauces, or fruit salad, there’s really no substitute for juicy, tangy citrus fruit that are always available and in season! 

Sections of oranges on a cutting board for how to section citrus fruit

What does it mean to Supreme an orange?

Supreming citrus fruit means removing the segments of fruit with no skin, membranes, or white pith.

Have you ever noticed that chefs peel citrus with a knife, not their hands? That’s because it’s the quickest way to remove the bitter peel, spongy white inner peel, and tough membrane in one fell swoop. What’s left is the juicy, tender interior which can go straight into a juicer or fruit salad bowl.

How to Peel an Orange (with a knife)

  1. Slice off the stem end and opposite end to create flat surfaces.
  2. Stand on one end, and slice down, following the contours and catching the inner membrane as you work your way around.

orange being cut with a knife on a cutting board

Kitchen Tip: Zest the peel before cutting. The zest will keep in the fridge for several days, or in the freezer for up to six months. It’s great for adding to cake batters, muffins, loaves, pancakes or waffles.

How to Supreme Oranges

  1. Once the peel is off, you can section the fruit using the same knife.
  2. Lay the fruit on its side. Working your way around carefully cut between the membrane in each section and lift out each wedge (image below).
  3. Squeeze out the juice that remains after removing the fruit.

Sections of orange being cut with a knife for how to section citrus fruit

What to use Citrus Fruit For

Oh my goodness, where do I begin? We always serve a big bowl of sectioned grapefruit for holidays. But there are so many other uses for them!

They’re great in fruit salads or in a citrus salad with grilled chicken or fish.

Beverages – Naturally sweet, refreshingly tangy and Vitamin C – is great in mango smoothies or Green Smoothies!

Sparkling Punch – Combine equal parts pink grapefruit juice, orange juice and sparkling Moscato or other sweet wine for a fruity, festive aperitif. Add a splash of grenadine for color and flavor.

Citrus Vinaigrette – Give a simple tossed salad some zesty pizzazz with citrus vinaigrette. Combine zest and juice of one lemon with a teaspoon of minced garlic, a tablespoon of white wine vinegar, 1/8 teaspoon of salt and pepper, a pinch of sugar and ¾ cup olive oil. Place in a jar and shake to combine.

Storing Citrus Wedges

Store wedges in the fridge in a tightly covered container for up to 6 days. They don’t freeze well for snacking but can certainly be added to smoothies if frozen.

orange being cut with a knife to show how to section citrus fruit
Orange being sectioned with a knife for how to section citrus fruit with a title
Sectioned citrus fruit on a cutting board and an orange with a knife and a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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