The Easiest Way to Cut an Orange Into Wedges, Slices, and Supremes

If oranges are a staple in your fruit bowl, it's worth mastering different methods of cutting the citrus fruit. This way, you'll be able to effortlessly utilize the versatility of juicy oranges, whether you're decorating a cake, tossing a salad, or preparing a simple snack. Here, chefs explain how to cut an orange into wedges, slices, and supremes, along with tips for making the process easier.

Tools Needed

All you need to cut an orange is:

• Sharp paring knife
• Cutting board

"If your knives are not sharp, then a serrated knife will work better than a dull non-serrated knife," says Martha Brahm, chef and founder of Hawaiian Tart Company and Big Island Private Chef in Hawaii.

Peeling an Orange Before Cutting

Depending on the cutting method and specific use, oranges can be peeled before you cut them.

Hand Peeling

You can peel an orange by digging a nail into the rind and then removing the peel. However, scoring the peel will make the process easier and neater. Follow these steps, as provided by Nathan Lyon, chef, cookbook author, and host of A Lyon in the Kitchen on Discovery Health:

1. Set the orange on its side on a cutting board. Hold it in place with your non-dominant hand.
2. Cut off both ends. Place the orange upright on a flat side.
3. Use a paring knife, slice the rind from top to bottom without piercing the flesh. Repeat to create four equally spaced sections.
4. Use your fingers to peel off the rind.

Using a Knife to Peel an Orange

Repeat the process above, but instead of scoring the rind, use the knife to slice away the peel and pith. Move the knife top to bottom, using the shape of the orange as a guide, says Christiane Matey, MSHS, RDN, LDN, ABAAHP, chef, dietitian, and founder of Mint Nutrition. This technique is helpful for varieties with thicker rinds, such as Valencia and Seville oranges, she says.

How to Cut an Orange Into Wedges

For a simple, mess-free way to enjoy an orange, cut it into wedges. The key is to leave it unpeeled, as the rind will act as a holder.

According to Matey, here's how to cut an orange into wedges:

1. Set the orange on its side on a cutting board. Hold it in place with your non-dominant hand.
2. Cut off both ends of the orange.
3. Cut the orange in half, lengthwise. Place each orange half on its flat side.
4. On each half, position your knife at a 45-degree angle. Slice down to create a wedge.
5. Repeat to make three or four wedges per half.

After cutting an orange into wedges, you can remove any seeds by poking them out with the tip of a small knife, says Lyon. Another option is to pull them out with your fingers, he notes.

If you'd also like to remove the pith, pierce the tip of your knife underneath the membrane. Work the knife around the entire wedge to gently separate the membrane from the fruit, taking care to avoid damaging the flesh, says Omar Lorenzana, executive chef at Timpano Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

How to Cut an Orange Into Slices

Both unpeeled and peeled oranges can be cut into slices. The best option depends on how you intend to use them:

• Unpeeled orange slices are ideal for garnishing desserts or cocktails, where they can be easily removed from the dish and picked apart to be eaten. They can also be transformed into candied treats.
• Peeled slices can be eaten as part of a dish, such as salads and desserts. You can even transform peeled orange slices into a light dessert by sprinkling them with finely chopped ginger and a sprinkle of sugar, says Brahm.

Follow these steps to cut an orange into slices:

1. Place the unpeeled or peeled orange on its side on a cutting board. Hold it in place with your non-dominant hand.
2. If slicing an unpeeled orange, cut off both ends.
3. Set the knife on top of the orange, about 1/4 inch from the end. Slice down to make the first slice.
4. Repeat to slice the entire orange, moving the knife about 1/4 inch each time.

For thinner slices, move the knife about 1/8 inch for each slice. Note: This will be easier to do with a very sharp knife.

Supreming an Orange

Orange supremes are segments without the peel, pith, and membranes. This removes all of the bitter parts, leaving the purest parts of the fruit, says Lorenzana. The resulting segments also have a superior texture, flavor, and shinier appearance compared to unpeeled wedges, he adds.

Here's how to supreme an orange, per Lorenzana:

1. Place a peeled orange on its side. Find the membrane and fruit segments.
2. Slice in between two segments, along a membrane, moving toward the center. Repeat on the other side of the segment to create an orange supreme.
3. Repeat with the remaining segments.

Avoid tossing the membranes right away. They're packed with juice, which can be added to your recipe or used for another purpose. To remove the juice, squeeze the membranes over a bowl.

Tips to Make Cutting Oranges Easier

Choose firm oranges: Firm, ripe oranges are easier to cut than soft, old oranges. The inner membrane structure in a firm orange holds juice more effectively, therefore giving the fruit better texture and shape, according to Brahm.

Use a sharp knife: For the easiest and cleanest cuts, always use a sharp knife, says Lorenzana. If your knife is dull, it will smash—rather than slice—the orange, shares Brahm. This will create a juicy mess on your cutting board. Using a sharp knife is also safer, as you'll need to apply less pressure, ultimately reducing the risk that it will slip.

Other Tools and Techniques

Depending on your needs, following a specific cutting technique might not be necessary. For example, if you'd like orange zest, use a citrus zester or grater. The zest can then be used in a variety of recipes, such as cake and other desserts, says Brahm.

Alternatively, if you need to juice an orange with an electric juicer, peel the fruit and separate the wedges. You can then insert the wedges through the juicer. For a manual juicer, simply slice the orange into halves and press each one using the tool.