How to Ferment Oranges

Oranges can produce wine.

Oranges are fermented and made into wine the same way grapes are. To ferment the oranges, mix them with water, sugar, tannin, yeast nutrient and wine yeast. The fermenting process takes place as the mixture sits in an air-tight container. The fermentation of the wine becomes stronger the longer you let it sit.

Things You'll Need

• 4 lbs. over-ripe oranges
• Blender
• Food thermometer
• Fine-meshed nylon straining bag
• 3 lbs. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. grape tannin
• 1 tsp. yeast nutrient
• 1 packet wine yeast

Instructions

1. Boil two quarts of water by heating it in a pan on the stove.

2. Peel 4 lbs. of over-ripe oranges and remove as much of the white as possible. Section the oranges and remove seeds. Liquefy orange segments in your blender.

3. Combine liquified oranges, 3 lbs. sugar, 1/4 tsp. tannin and 1 tsp. yeast nutrient. Pour in boiling water and stir until the sugar melts completely.

4. Cover the mixture and allow it to cool at room temperature. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature and add wine yeast when the mixture reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Cover and wait seven to 10 days for the oranges to ferment.

6. Strain mixture through a fine mesh nylon straining bag and squeeze to assure all juice comes out.

7. Place the wine in an air-tight container. Rack every two to three months until you have your desired strength.

Tips & Warnings

• Racking is the process of straining the wine to remove anything that has settled.

References

• Wine Making: Orange Wine