Spiced Sweet Oranges
Sweet and spiced citrus slices infused with cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves, perfect for holiday treats or festive gatherings, offering warm, aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Squeeze enough juice from lemons to equal 3 tablespoons; cut remaining lemons into 1/4-inch thick slices and set aside.
- Tie 1 tablespoon cloves in cheesecloth to make a spice bag.
- In a 3-quart saucepan over high heat, combine the spice bag, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, kumquats, and 5 cups water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Pour the spice-syrup mixture into a large bowl; discard the spice bag.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider toasting the whole cloves before using them. If you can't find kumquats, small mandarins can be a good substitute. Be cautious not to over-simmer the syrup, as it can become too thick and sticky. For a twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or some ginger to enhance the spiced notes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spiced sweet oranges as a refreshing dessert or a bright addition to breakfast. They pair beautifully with Easy Sauteed Zucchini or a light Lebanese Salad(Tabboule) for a balanced meal. Consider drizzling with a bit of honey or serving alongside yogurt for a creamy contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spiced sweet oranges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop as they sit. If you want to reheat them, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Sweet Oranges contains roughly 1049 calories, with 19g protein, 256g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (309% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (136% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 583mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits instead of oranges and kumquats?
Yes, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like tangerines or small grapefruits. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruits you choose to ensure a balanced flavor.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, cut back on the sugar by a quarter or use a natural sweetener like agave syrup. You can also add more citrus juice or zest to enhance tartness, balancing the flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
This spiced sweet orange mixture is not designed for canning due to the high sugar content and lack of proper acidity for preservation. It's best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).