Easy Orange Paste (for Panettone)

Orange Paste is a basic preparation used to flavor cakes and leavened products, such as sponge cake, panettone, Easter dove, but also shortcrust pastry, creams and cakes.

This is a thick and creamy preparation obtained by blending oranges in a mixer, both the pulp and the peel, with honey, powdered sugar and granulated sugar: once ready, you just need to add one or two teaspoons to the mixture of your favorite dessert, to make it aromatic and fragrant.

What is Orange Paste for Panettone?

Orange paste is a concentrated, thick mixture made primarily from the pulp and zest of oranges, often combined with sugar, spices, and sometimes other citrus fruits. It has a rich, tangy-sweet flavor that can be used in a variety of culinary applications, from marinades and glazes to baked goods and beverages. The origins of orange paste can be traced back to early Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, where citrus fruits like oranges were prized for their versatility in cooking. In ancient times, especially in regions like China, the Middle East, and Europe, citrus pastes were made to preserve the bright, fresh flavor of oranges long after the fruit was out of season. Over the centuries, orange paste became a staple in both savory and sweet dishes, particularly in the development of chutneys, jams, and sauces, where its ability to balance tanginess with sweetness became highly valued. Today, orange paste is still popular in many modern kitchens and is often used as a flavor enhancer or cooking base in gourmet recipes.

Pro Tips for The Best Orange Paste for Panettone

• Be sure to pick untreated and biologic oranges, so that their peel is safe for consume.
• You can replace the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup, which is also suitable for those who follow a vegan diet.
• You can also flavor the orange paste with a little cinnamon powder or vanilla extract.

Is This the Same as Orange Sauce?

No, it's not! Orange paste is typically thicker, more concentrated, and often used as a base for recipes, or mixed into dishes like glazes, marinades, or spreads. It has a strong, tangy orange flavor, and its consistency allows it to stay intact when cooked. On the other hand, orange sauce is generally thinner and more liquid, making it perfect for pouring over dishes like meats, desserts, or stir-fries. It is often sweetened with sugar and can include additional ingredients like vinegar, herbs, or spices to balance its flavor.

Can I Use Another Citrus Fruit for The Paste?

Yes, you can make a paste with other citrus fruits like lemons, limes, or grapefruits. The process is similar to making orange paste, where the fruit's zest and pulp are combined, often with sugar or spices, to create a thick, concentrated mixture. Each citrus paste will have a distinct flavor profile—lemon paste will be tart and zesty, lime paste will be bright and tangy, and grapefruit paste will have a slightly bitter edge along with sweetness.

Why is My Paste so Bitter?

A very bitter citrus paste can result from using too much citrus zest or pith (the white part under the skin). The zest contains essential oils that contribute flavor, but when overused or if the pith is included, it can introduce a bitter taste. Additionally, if the paste is cooked for too long or at too high a temperature, it can intensify bitterness. To avoid this, it's best to carefully remove the zest and use only the pulp, and to cook the paste gently to preserve its natural sweetness.

What Else Can I Use the Paste For?

Citrus paste can be used in a variety of ways, such as a marinade for meats and fish, a glaze for roasted dishes, or an ingredient in desserts like cakes and tarts. It can also enhance salad dressings, be spread on toast, or added to beverages like cocktails for a tangy twist.

Can I Make Orange Paste Ahead?

Yes, orange paste can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. It can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks.

Does Orange Paste Freeze Well?

It does! To preserve its flavor and texture, transfer the paste into an airtight container or ice cube trays for portion control before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

How to Store Orange Paste for Panettone

Orange Paste can be stored inside the refrigerator for about 2 weeks. If you want to keep it for longer, we recommend closing in the jar with a vacuum.

How to Make Orange Paste for Panettone

Remove the peel (only the colored part) from about two oranges, removing the ends. Remove the white part of the orange.

Extract the pulp from the orange. Put the orange peel and the pulp into the blender, together with the granulated sugar, powdered sugar and honey.

Blend together for a few minutes. Plance in a sterilized jar, and close it with a vacuum lid. Enjoy!