Candles remain a viable secondary or tertiary backup option for emergency lighting, despite the fact that nearly any combination of an LED light paired with a rechargeable battery now surpasses the best candle in terms of every critical metric—size, weight, lumens, reusability, durability, safety, and cost.
However, candles still hold one distinct advantage over modern light sources: they can be created using basic tools and materials, making them accessible even in resource-constrained situations. Recently, we came across a meme suggesting that an ordinary orange could be transformed into a candle. Intrigued, we decided to investigate whether this was truly feasible and if such a method would have practical applications in an emergency.
In short, yes, it works—but the process is somewhat tricky and its utility in preparedness scenarios is debatable.
Turning an orange into a makeshift candle hinges on its internal structure. Specifically, the fibrous core—or pith—acts as the wick. Surrounding the pith lies the endocarp, which consists of carpels commonly referred to as orange wedges. On the outside, the tough rind comprises two layers: the outermost exocarp (zest) and the mesocarp beneath it.
To convert an orange into a candle, the key is to remove the juicy endocarp while keeping the pith and rind intact. The pith serves as the wick, while the rind holds the fuel. There are several techniques shared online, but after experimenting, I found the following method to be the most effective. Start by slicing into the rind near the center of the orange, parallel to the stem. Be careful not to cut all the way through, as doing so could damage the pith and render it unusable as a wick.
If your knives aren't sharp enough for this task, consider checking out our knife sharpening and maintenance course for just $15.
Once you've split the rind, gently insert your thumb between the rind and the endocarp on the half containing the stem. The aim here is to carefully separate the rind from the fruit's interior. Afterward, gently pry the two halves apart. If done correctly, you'll end up with two halves of an orange, one with the pith exposed and surrounded by loose carpels. Sometimes, pulling the orange apart removes some of the loose carpels from the other half as well.
Next, use your fingers to carefully scoop out the remaining carpels without damaging the pith. When you're finished, you should have a "bowl" shape with a stem protruding from the center. Achieving this result may require a few tries.
Now comes the easy part. To light your orange candle, place it in a stable holder, such as a ramekin, to prevent it from tipping over. Pour olive oil into the hollowed-out orange until it saturates the pith and fills the cavity as much as possible. Light the wick using a candle, grill lighter, or long match; it might take a few attempts to get it going.
For optimal stability and protection against drafts, you can hollow out the other half of the orange and create a small hole in the top to serve as a windscreen.
While it’s technically possible to turn an orange into a candle, its practicality is limited. The process requires specific conditions—sharp knives, oranges, and olive oil—and attempting it in low-light or emergency situations could prove challenging. Additionally, the scent isn’t particularly pleasant; instead of smelling like fresh oranges, it emits a burnt rope and olive oil aroma, though it’s not overpowering.
Perhaps keep this trick tucked away for novelty purposes, but for dependable lighting during power outages, traditional options like flashlights, headlamps, or even regular candles are far more reliable.
A BBQ grill is a cooking appliance used for outdoor cooking, specifically for grilling food over an open flame or hot coals. It typically consists of a metal grate or griddle that is placed over a heat source, such as charcoal or propane gas. The grill can be used to cook a variety of foods, including meats, vegetables, and seafood. BBQ grills come in different sizes and styles, including portable models for camping or tailgating, and larger models for backyard entertaining. Some BBQ grills also include additional features such as side burners, rotisserie attachments, and temperature gauges.
Bbq Grill ,Home Depot Grill,Outdoor Bbq Grill ,Portable Bbq Grill
NingBo AoYue Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.aoyue-tech.com