Look at those poor things! Here in Florida, they must have as much insecurity as a zit-faced kid in high school! All the other oranges are pretty and perfect - but these have a secret: they make the most killer Cuban mojo on the planet.
I've used it in chicken, fish, turkey, pork... it is UNREAL. Take my word for it.
In a small blender or food processor, blend 6 cloves of garlic with a good handfull of fresh oregano. Add 2 tablespoons of sea salt, a dash of red wine vinegar AND, the juice from 3 naranja agrias. The "result" will look too watery, too pale, too unimpressive to ever make you think it will work... but my Miami Cuban peeps know better! Inject it in turkey, a pork roast, pour it over fish or chicken. And it will blow your MIND!
I lived in Miami and am familiar with these oranges, have since packed and lost a turkey recipe (poke garlic into turkey, rub with butter and oregano, drape in yellow onion slices and bacon strips, squeeze sour orange all around, stuff squeezed oranges in cavity and bake)... one of these days, I'll attempt that with a Mofongo (puerto rican, plantains...) side as I think it would simulate the perfect "dressing" texture to a "Cuban Turkey"... however, I am no longer in Miami... where can I get Sour Orange (in the bottle, if necessary) in California, or online? Thought Goya had it but their site doesn't list that product. Any suggestions?
Posted by: JJ | August 27, 2006 at 07:50 PM
Goya does have it in bottles.
It is on their site and available in stores. They also have Mojo Criollo which is pretty much a ready to go marinade with naranja agria.
Posted by: omar | September 22, 2006 at 03:06 PM
The stuff from Goya is very low quality. Sour Oranges are also widely used in the Yucatan as in marinades, pickled onion relish & sauces... Rick Bayless' Authentic Mexican has a recipe to approximate them using Grapefruit, Limes & Navel Oranges.
Posted by: Pepe from ELA | December 29, 2006 at 10:49 AM
Hey folks, check the ingredients on Goyas Naranja Agria. Not a drop of sour orange juice in that bottle. Once upon a time Goya's bottle showed 100% sour orange - not anymore. That stuff is junk and fake.
Posted by: Bill Moran | February 02, 2007 at 04:38 AM
Does anyone know where to buy a live plant of this variety?
I used to have a tree back at home, and i LOVED those sour oranges so much!
Unfortunaly it would be illegal for me to bring a few seeds to plant them, so I am VERY interested in buying a plant from a united states nursery.
Posted by: Ari | March 19, 2007 at 09:38 PM
You should try the product from Badia Spices in Miami. The bitter orange (naranja agria) is much more flavorful than some of the others.
If it is not in the Latin aisle of your local grocery you can get it at cubanfoodmarket.com.
Posted by: Chuck | March 01, 2009 at 02:19 PM