Preserving mandarin oranges typically involves canning them in syrup to extend their shelf life. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Canning Mandarin Oranges
Canning is a great method for preserving mandarin oranges. Here's how:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare Jars and Lids: Sterilize your canning jars, rings, and lids. This is crucial for preventing spoilage. You can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
- Peel and Segment Oranges: Carefully peel the mandarin oranges and separate them into segments. Remove as much of the white pith as possible.
- Pack Jars: Pack the sterilized jars with the mandarin orange segments, leaving about ½ inch of headspace (space at the top of the jar).
- Prepare Syrup: Make a syrup solution. The sweetness of the syrup can be adjusted to your preference. A common ratio is 2 cups of water to 1 cup of sugar, but you can experiment with less sugar. Boil the water and sugar until the sugar is dissolved, then reduce the heat and keep it warm.
- Pour Syrup: Pour the hot syrup over the orange segments in the jars, ensuring that the segments are covered. Leave ½ inch headspace.
- Remove Air Bubbles: Use a non-metallic utensil (like a plastic spatula) to gently press the oranges and release any trapped air bubbles.
- Wipe Jar Rims: Wipe the rims of the jars clean to ensure a good seal.
- Apply Lids and Rings: Place the lids on the jars and screw on the rings finger-tight.
- Process in Boiling Water Bath: Place the filled jars in a boiling water bath canner. Ensure the jars are completely submerged in water, with at least 1 inch of water covering the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil and process for 15 minutes. Note: Processing times may vary depending on your altitude. Consult a reliable canning resource for altitude adjustments.
- Cool and Check Seals: Carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel-lined surface to cool. Allow them to cool completely, undisturbed, for 12-24 hours. As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal. After cooling, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn't flex or move, the jar is sealed. If it flexes, the jar isn't properly sealed and should be reprocessed with a new lid or refrigerated and used within a week.
- Store: Store sealed jars in a cool, dark, and dry place. Properly canned mandarin oranges can be stored for up to a year.
Alternatives to Canning
While canning is the most common method, other options exist. However, they may not provide the same long-term preservation:
- Freezing: Mandarin orange segments can be frozen, although the texture might be softer upon thawing. Spread the segments on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container.
- Dehydrating: Mandarin orange peels can be dehydrated and used as flavoring agents or candied. The segments themselves don't typically dehydrate well.
By following these steps, you can successfully preserve mandarin oranges and enjoy them long after the season has ended.
