How To Peel An Orange Like An Expert

Q: What’s the best way to cut an orange for a fruit salad?

The best way to cut an orange for a fruit salad is to segment it into slices, without the skin, pith, or seeds. This makes it easy to mix with other fruits and enhances the eating experience.

Eva Contreras

Bird's Beak Peeling & Paring Knife 3" Shogun Series ELITE Dalstron g

QUICK OVERVIEW: How To Peel An Orange

Make a circular cut to remove the top of the orange.
Make a straight line cut from the top to the bottom.
Separate the peel into two halves with your hands.

I love oranges! As juice for breakfast, as zest for my desserts, to marinate chicken and pork… I even use it to make scented candles! No wonder this is the one fruit with its own Marvel Superhero: Captain Citrus!

Now, what I don’t love (and I guess this is the situation for many) is the process of having to peel them every time. But it’s the inevitable step before orange deliciousness!

Peeling oranges is not complicated, but there are some techniques to do it even better and easier without making too much of a mess. Read on to become an expert.

1. What’s The Best Knife To Peel An Orange?

Bird's Beak Tourne Paring Knife 2.75" Gladiator Series

Peeling an orange requires a knife that can cut through the thick peel efficiently, quickly and accurately. This knife should...

Be very sharp to avoid tearing and pulp waste,
Have a thin blade to make it easy to separate the peel.
Have an ergonomic, non-slip handle to ensure a firm and secure grip.

In this regard, the knives that best meet these requirements are:

Paring knife

Any of its three shapes is ideal since paring knives are specially designed for peeling fruits and vegetables.

Chef's knife

This knife is considered an all-rounder in the kitchen and can also be used for peeling oranges due to its versatility.

Serrated knife

It is capable of cutting the thick peel of the orange thanks to the saw it has on its blade.

Utility knife

Whether smooth-edged or serrated, it is a versatile pick for a variation of tasks in the kitchen, including peeling oranges.

Read about the top ten ways to enjoy oranges, here.

2. Different Methods On How To Peel An Orange

Serrated Utility Knife 6.5" Shadow Black Series Dalstrong

There are several methods to peel oranges, some more traditional and others more innovative.

IMPORTANT: Remember to wash the orange first. Dry it with a clean paper towel or kitchen towel.

Peeling oranges by hand

This is the traditional technique of removing the orange peel with your fingers. The degree of ripeness will influence how easy this process will actually be. If the peel is strongly adhered to the fruit, you may need the help of a knife.

Peeling oranges with a spoon

Even in this method, you’ll need a knife first to cut a small piece at the top and bottom ends. Then, make a cut from top to bottom along the fruit until you reach the pulp (but without cutting through). Then, insert a spoon between the peel and the fruit, making circular movements to separate them.

Peeling oranges in a spiral

With the knife of your choice, make a circular cut in the top of the orange, deep enough to go through the peel, but without crushing the flesh. From there, start cutting in a spiral around the orange, following the outer edge of the fruit.

Peeling oranges with a knife

The fastest and most efficient way to peel an orange!

The first, basic step is to place the orange on a cutting board and make a circular cut around the top of the fruit. Once you remove the top, you can either:

Make a straight cut from top to bottom (should be deep enough to barely touch the flesh). The peel should be easy to separate then, in two halves, revealing the interior as a whole.
Make several cuts from the top to the bottom, around the arc of the orange. This will create peel segments that you can remove one by one.

Find the method that best suits your needs, tools and skills, so you can enjoy a delicious orange without major complications!

3. Dalstrong Tools You Will Need

1. Paring Knife 3.5" Shogun Series ELITE

When it comes to peeling oranges, this bestseller from Dalstrong is a great choice. The blade is narrow and pointed for superior precision. The size and ergonomic design are ideal for a secure, comfortable grip during orange peeling.

PROS:

High-quality stainless steel, providing durability and strength in the long term.
Super steel core with extra high-carbon levels for scalpel sharpness.
Mirror polished edge to an astonishing sharpness of 8-10 degrees per side.
Perfectly balanced weight for total control and exceptional precision.
Traditional Japanese style D-shaped handle that fits perfectly in the hand.
Damask coating for stain resistance and durability.
Beautiful and eye-catching visual Tsunami Rose design exclusive to the Shogun series.

CONS:

This high-end knife may have a higher price tag compared to other paring knives.
This paring knife excels at fine work, but is too short to cut herbs with the swinging motion of a chef's knife.

2. Serrated Paring Knife 3.75" Gladiator Series

The serrated blade of this knife is highly recommended for slicing thick-skinned fruits with soft insides such as oranges. Plus, it's incredibly versatile, as it's also perfect for cutting toast, sandwiches, dry or hard meats, and much more.

PROS:

The serrated blade makes it easy to cut through thick peel without damaging the inner pulp, allowing for even slices and avoiding fruit waste.
Manufactured with high quality materials.
It is a versatile knife that, in addition to cutting oranges, can cut other fruits and foods with a firm rind.
The ultra-sharp tip can make precise cuts and create patterns and designs on the surface of the food.
Excellent value for money.

CONS:

The blade length may be insufficient for cutting very large oranges.
In terms of design, this is a more traditional knife, with the classic look of the Gladiator series. If you prefer a more modern approach, check the Serrated Utility Knife by the Shadow Black Serie s.

3. Bird's Beak Paring Knife Peeler 3 Crusader Series

The short, curved blade of a bird's beak knife is great for thin peeling oranges for garnishes, as well as other medium-sized round fruits and vegetables, no matter how hard they are. This one is made from a single solid piece of stainless steel and chrome.

PROS:

Full tang structure, forged from solid steel. This ensures maximum hardness and strength.
The blade spine is polished and smooth, making it comfortable to hold.
The sharp tip is ideal for preparing ornamental displays with small fruits and vegetables.
The groove along the blade almost eliminates all friction and sticking when cutting ingredients.
Comes with a smart sleeve that protects the knife and your fingers.

CONS:

This peeling knife is good for higher precision tasks, but may not be at all practical for dicing.
It has an unconventional design that may not suit more traditional personalities.

4. Utility Knife 5.5" Shadow Black Series

This is a bigger version of a paring knife, or a smaller version of a chef's knife, whatever works for you! With this utility knife you can not only peel the orange and cut it any way that you prefer, but also use it for all the other cutting and food preparation tasks.

PROS:

Unique visual design with perfect geometric lines.
Black, anti-reflective titanium nitride coating that hardens the blade and improves its non-stick properties.
High-precision forged and vacuum-treated high-carbon steel to ensure strength and durability.
Meticulously sharpened to 16-18°.
Unique, geometric shape handle that provides exceptional grip and maximum comfort.

CONS:

The design of this series may only fit certain styles of kitchen décor. Some will prefer a more mainstream approach.
Some cooks may prefer to have a utility knife with a serrated blade to cut oranges.

5. Chef's Knife 6 Gladiator Series

This chef's knife is smaller and more maneuverable than the standard chef's knife, so it’s more comfortable to peel fruits like oranges. The blade has been meticulously sharpened, its ergonomic handle is pleasant to hold and its weight ensures perfect balance for making firm or delicate cuts.

PROS:

Perfectly sized for perfect control.
Highly maneuverable, lightweight, and agile.
Exceptionally durable edge retention.
Tough premium laminated handle made of high quality G10 Garolite.
The comfort of this knife is incredible. It is very well-balanced.

CONS:

Some may find that it is still too long for fine point work and prefer a paring knife for those purposes.
Cooks with more modern, avant-garde tastes may prefer a flashier style for their chef knife. Something like the Chef Knife 8" | Shadow Black Series | RED Edition.

4. Nutritional Value Of Oranges

(Estimated values per serving of 1 orange (140g)
Calories	73 kcal
Fat	0.2 g
Cholesterol	129 mg
Sodium	13 mg
Potassium	232 mg
Vitamin C	82.7mg
Calcium	60.2mg
Carbohydrates	16.5 g
Fiber	2.8 g
Sugar	12 g
Protein	1.3 g

5. Frequently Asked Questions About Oranges

What’s the best way to cut an orange for a fruit salad?

The best way to cut an orange for a fruit salad is to cut it per orange slice, without the skin, pith, or seeds. This makes it easy to mix with other fruits and enhances the eating experience.

Can you eat orange peels?

In theory, yes, orange peels are edible and can be consumed, although they have a bitter taste and a fibrous texture. They can be used in various culinary preparations, such as zest for infusions, jams, or candied peels.

Why are some oranges harder to peel?

Some oranges are more difficult to peel due to their level of ripeness. Those that are shriveled or bruised are harder to peel. Oranges that are slightly green will also be harder to peel as the skin adheres firmly to the fruit.

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Written by Eva Contreras

Ananya loves the fine things in life. When she isn’t penning down poetry or song lyrics, she spends her time cooking and creating recipes while also enjoying new cuisines.