Instead of tossing your orange peels into the compost or garbage, save them in a bag in your fridge, and when you have enough, dry them. You can use them for orange peel tea or potpourri later. You’ll totally be glad you saved them when the holidays roll around and you suddenly need to get your Martha Stewart on and whip out some homemade gifts.
To dry your orange peels, scrape as much of the pith as you can off of the backside of the peel. Then just lay them on a cookie cooling rack and let them sit for a couple of days, basically until they are all dried out. Once they are COMPLETELY dried, store them in a ziploc bag or mason jar until you are ready to use them. {If you plan on making orange peel tea, I recommend chopping the peels into strips or much smaller bits.}
If you want to expedite the process, you could certainly use your dehydrator or the oven on the lowest possible temperature for several hours.
Now feel awesome about yourself, because you totally just up-cycled your garbage.
~Mavis
Gwenn says
You can also put them in a jar with vinegar to make an orange powered cleaning solution.
Susan says
Or make Candied Orange Peel
Use:
3 navel or valencia oranges
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup water
Makes approximately 2 1/2 cups
Rinse the oranges.
Cut the top and bottom off- cut oranges into 4 pieces.
Remove the skin- peel and pith –
Cut into strips- about 1/4 inch wide
Place the strips of peel in a large saucepan and cover with cold water
Set on high heat and bring to a boil
Drain the water from the peels and repeat 2 more times
In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar and 3/4 cup water
Pour the sugar water into a medium saucepan-bring to a simmer. Let the mixture cook for 8-9 minutes at a constant simmer.
Add the peel and cook for 45 minutes – 1 hour. Adjust heat to maintain the simmer. Avoid stirring as this will cause crystallizing. If necessary, swirl the pan to make sure all the peels are covered.
At the end of this period, the peels should be translucent.
Drain any remaining syrup from the peels (save for tea?) There will only be a tablespoon or 2
Spread on a drying rack and leave to dry for 4 – 5 or place in a food dehydrator until dry.
You can dip the ends in chocolate or add vanilla or cinnamon,etc to change it up.
Makes a great gift! 🙂
Chad says
After I make the tea, then can I finally put them in my compost?
Veronica says
I zest my oranges before I peel them. I freeze the zest in a container for use in baking and sauces. Then I compost the pith. I find this fits my needs better.
Leisa Cox says
You can also use dried skins as fire starters.
Mavis says
Oh, great tip! Thanks for sharing.
Elise says
This is awesome!!! We eat about 50 lbs of oranges a month, and I hate throwing away those peels! Now I actually have something to do with them!! Thanks!
Mavis says
You are so welcome. Glad I could help!
Jackie says
I collect the peels in a jar filed with white vinegar and then I add vinegar to water for a citrus multi purpose spray.