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Hamlin Orange Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to Hamlin oranges
About Hamlin oranges
Hamlin oranges are named after farmer A. G. Hamlin, who accidentally created the hybrid in 1879. This sweet orange became extremely widespread after the Great Freeze of 1894 and 1895 hit Florida, and it now makes up 50% of Florida's orange crop. Hamlin oranges are also grown in Texas and Arizona.
The Hamlin orange is a very cold-hardy sweet orange that ripens early, making it one of the first oranges to appear on supermarket shelves in the winter. The peak season for buying Hamlin oranges is from October to January. The Hamlin orange is baseball-sized, with a bright orange, waxy rind that is lightly pitted. The rind is thin and gives way to juicy, orange flesh. The flesh has little to no seeds. Hamlin oranges are sweet and tangy, with less acidic bite than other oranges.
How to pick out Hamlin oranges
The exterior of a ripe Hamlin orange should be brightly colored and firm. Oranges should feel heavy for their size (indicating a juicy interior). Avoid oranges that have deep bruises, cuts, leathery spots, or powdery light blue mold.
In the United States, oranges sold as fresh fruit are graded according to their color, texture, shape, firmness, and maturity. "Fancy" is the highest grade and is reserved for oranges that have excellent color and no blemishes. Oranges labeled as "Bright," "Golden," "Bronze," or "Russet" have discolorations and blemishes, with Russet being the lowest grade allowed.
Hamlin oranges purchased late in the season may be slightly soft, but as long as the skin is still elastic and the fruit feels heavy, it is good to eat. You may also notice superficial scuffs or healed gouges on your Hamlin oranges. Hamlin orange trees thrive in the windiest areas of Texas and Arizona. As a result, Hamlin oranges grown in these states are often scuffed due to the wind tossing them around on the tree as they mature.
How to use Hamlin oranges
Hamlin oranges add a bright, citrus zing to many dishes. Here are some of the most common uses for Hamlin oranges:
- The peeled, raw fruit can be eaten whole or cut into sections and slices.
- The juice makes a great breakfast treat. Unlike other oranges, Hamlin orange juice will not become bitter as it sits. To maximize the juice from an orange, roll it on the counter or microwave it for 15 seconds before juicing.
- The acidity of oranges can help tenderize beef, poultry, and pork. Mix orange juice with olive oil, garlic, and spices and marinate meat for several hours or overnight.
- Use the juice to make various cocktails, such as the screwdriver, tequila sunrise, and hurricane.
- Make orange popsicles, sorbet, and sherbet with the juice and zest.
- Create a citrus-based salad dressing with juice, zest, olive oil, salt, and spices.
- Add juice and zest to baked goods.
- Create a glaze for sweet baked goods by mixing powdered sugar with orange juice.
- Segment oranges into supremes and use in salads.
- Use an entire orange to make marmalade.
- Candy thin orange slices for use in dessert dishes.
Hamlin Orange Near Me
Buy your favorite Hamlin Orange online with Instacart. Order Hamlin Orange from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about Hamlin oranges
The Hamlin orange packs a nutritious punch. An average-sized orange contains:
- 62 calories
- 3 grams of fiber
- 1 gram of protein
- 116% of your daily requirement of vitamin C
- Phytochemicals, such as beta-carotene and lutein
Hamlin oranges are also a good source of vitamin A, calcium, vitamin B6, and magnesium.
Store your fresh Hamlin oranges at room temperature if you plan on using them within a week. Room temperature oranges are best for juicing. Oranges will also stay fresh for two weeks in the refrigerator. In the fridge, keep your oranges unwrapped or in a perforated plastic bag to prevent moisture buildup and mold.
Orange juice and zest can be frozen for up to one year. To prevent zest from clumping in the freezer, lay it out on a baking sheet and freeze. Then transfer the frozen zest to an airtight container and use it as needed.
Like limes and lemons, Hamlin oranges have many uses around the home.
- Add Hamlin oranges to homemade vinegar-based cleaners to give them a fresh citrus smell and extra cleaning power.
- Throw orange peels into your garbage disposal to clean and add a fresh scent.
- Use an orange half and some salt to clean sinks, copper pots, and other metallic surfaces.
- Make a simmer pot of water, orange peels, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and a bay leaf. Simmer on your stove to add humidity and a homey aroma in the middle of winter.
- Add a wedge of orange to your brown sugar container to keep it from hardening.
- Place dried and chopped orange rinds around your garden area to keep away pests.
Hamlin oranges are a delicious and versatile fruit. Instacart makes it easy to get oranges delivered straight to your door. The Instacart app allows you to order your oranges and other essentials anywhere and anytime. You can also take advantage of Instacart's contact-free delivery or pickup in as little as 2 hours!