10 clever ways to use up leftover orange peel…
Squeezed oranges don’t have to be thrown away: even after extracting their juice, they remain full of valuable benefits for the home, beauty and kitchen!
Here are ten simple and practical ideas for turning orange peels into useful resources.
1. Natural cleaning for the home
Orange peels contain essential oils that work as natural degreasers. Put the peels in a jar with white vinegar and let them steep for a week. Strain the liquid and pour it into a spray bottle-you’ll have an environmentally friendly all-purpose cleaner, great for cleaning and scenting kitchen surfaces.
2. Air freshener
Make the air in your home fresh and citrusy: put orange peels in a pot with water and cinnamon, and let them simmer. This mix will release a natural, relaxing scent, perfect for eliminating unpleasant odors.
3. Natural exfoliant for the skin
Let the peels dry, then grind them into a powder with a blender or mortar. Mix the powder with sugar or sea salt and coconut oil, resulting in a body scrub that gently exfoliates the skin, leaving it soft and glowing.
4. Infusions and herbal teas
If you like hot drinks, orange peels are an excellent addition. Dry the peels and add them to hot water for a citrusy herbal tea that can be enjoyed on its own or with a little honey. A digestive and relaxing cure-all!
5. Orange scented oil
To create a citrus oil for cooking or flavoring desserts, put orange peels in olive or seed oil and let them steep for a couple of weeks. Strain the oil and use it to dress salads or give a special touch to desserts and savory preparations.
6. Relaxing bath salts
Mix dried peels with rock salt and a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil. Use this mix in the bath for a relaxing moment: the salt helps relax the muscles, while the orange peels perfume the water and soften the skin.
7. Shoe deodorant
Orange peels, left to dry completely, can be put inside shoes to absorb odors. They work especially well if you also add a few mint or rosemary leaves to enhance the deodorizing effect.
8. Preserves and jams
No need to give up jam even without pulp! Cut the peels into small pieces, boil them and cook them with sugar or natural sweetener, resulting in a citrusy jam to spread on bread or add to desserts. Perfect for lovers of intense orange flavor.
9. Candied fruit for desserts and snacks
Cut the peels into strips and boil them several times to remove the bitterness. Then cook them with sugar and a little water until caramelized, creating candied peels to enjoy as snacks or to use in desserts. For a yummier version, dip the candied fruits in dark chocolate.
10. Compost for the garden
Orange peels, rich in nutrients, can be added to compost to fertilize the soil. Cut into small pieces, they decompose more quickly and help make the soil fertile and rich in vitamins, great for garden plants.
Recycling orange peels is a great way to avoid waste, save money and reduce the use of chemicals. These uses will not only allow you to make the most of each orange, but will also bring a fresh, natural feel to your home.
