A blender makes quick work of fresh orange juice when you blend peeled segments for a few seconds and strain out the pulp. Learning how to make fresh orange juice with a blender is simpler than most people think, and it takes less then five minutes from start to finish.
You do not need a fancy juicer. A basic blender, a few oranges, and a strainer are enough to get a cold glass of juice on the table.
This guide walks you through the whole process step by step. You will also learn how to pick the best oranges, how to fix common problems, and how to store any leftover juice.
Why Use A Blender For Orange Juice
A blender is fast, cheap, and already sitting in most kitchens. You avoid buying a single-purpose juicer that takes up cabinet space.
Blending also gives you control over the texture. If you like a little pulp, you can skip the straining step or only strain half the batch.
- Works with any standard countertop blender
- No special equipment needed beyond a strainer
- Easy to clean in a few minutes
- Lets you adjust pulp level to your taste
The one trade-off is that blenders aerate the juice a bit more then a juicer does. That means you should drink it fairly soon after making it for the best flavor.
How To Make Fresh Orange Juice With A Blender
Here is the full method. Read it once before you start so you know what is coming.
Step 1: Pick The Right Oranges
Not all oranges juicе well. Navel oranges are sweet and easy to peel, but they can turn slightly bitter after blending. Valencia oranges are the better pick for juice because they are juicy and less bitter.
Look for fruit that feels heavy for its size. Heavy oranges hold more liquid. Avoid any with soft spots or mold on the skin.
Step 2: Wash And Peel The Oranges
Rinse the oranges under cold water to remove dirt and any wax coating. Dry them with a clean towel.
Now peel them completely. Remove every bit of the white pith, because the pith is where most of the bitterness lives. Pull the segments apart with your hands.
If you want less bitterness, also remove the thin membrane around each segment. It takes a few extra minutes but the juice tastes cleaner.
Step 3: Remove Seeds And Cut The Segments
Check each segment for seeds and pull them out. Seeds add a sharp, unpleasant taste once they get blended.
Cut larger segments in half so they blend evenly. Small pieces put less strain on your blender motor.
Step 4: Blend The Segments
Add the orange segments to your blender jar. Do not fill it more then halfway, because the blades need room to move.
Blend on low speed for about 10 seconds, then switch to high for another 10 to 15 seconds. You want a smooth, even mixture with no big chunks left.
Do not blend for more then 30 seconds total. Longer blending adds air and makes the juice foamy.
Step 5: Strain The Juice
Set a fine mesh strainer over a bowl or a large measuring cup. Pour the blended mixture through it.
Press the pulp gently with the back of a spoon to get the last bit of liquid out. Do not press to hard, or you will push bitter bits through the mesh.
If you like pulp in your juice, skip this step or strain only part of the batch.
Step 6: Chill And Serve
Pour the juice into a glass and serve it right away. For a colder drink, chill it in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes first.
Add ice only if you plan to drink it fast. Ice waters down the flavor as it melts.
Tips For Better Blender Orange Juice
- Use oranges at room temperature for more juice yield
- Roll each orange on the counter before peeling to loosen the fibers
- Add a splash of cold water if the blender struggles to move
- Sweeten with a teaspoon of honey only if the oranges are tart
- Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness
A small amount of lemon juice can also brighten the flavor. Just a teaspoon per glass is enough.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Blending The Peel
The peel and pith are very bitter. Always peel the oranges fully before they go in the blender.
Overfilling The Jar
Too much fruit in the jar means uneven blending. Work in two smaller batches if you are juicing a lot of oranges.
Drinking It Days Later
Fresh juice loses flavor fast. It is best within a few hours. If you must store it, keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge and drink it within 24 hours.
How To Store Leftover Juice
Pour any extra juice into a glass jar with a tight lid. Fill it almost to the top to limit the air inside.
Keep the jar in the coldest part of your fridge. Shake it gently before drinking, since natural separation will happen.
For longer storage, you can freeze the juice in ice cube trays. Drop the cubes into a glass later and let them thaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Blend Whole Oranges Without Peeling Them?
You can, but the juice will taste very bitter. Some smoothie recipes blend a whole orange with other fruit to mask it, but plain orange juice needs peeled fruit.
How Many Oranges Make One Glass Of Juice?
It usually takes 3 to 4 medium oranges to fill one 8-ounce glass. Valencia oranges give more juice, so you may need only 2 or 3.
Do I Need To Add Water?
No. Oranges carry plenty of liquid on their own. Add water only if your blender cannot move the fruit.
Is Blender Juice As Healthy As Juicer Juice?
Yes. The vitamins and minerals stay the same. Blending may actually keep more fiber in the drink if you leave some pulp in.
Now you know how to make fresh orange juice with a blender in just a few simple steps. Grab a bag of Valencia oranges, peel them, blend for 20 seconds, and strain. That is the whole process, and it beats store-bought juice every time.