Orange peels can be used in a variety of ways, from cooking to cleaning to personal care. Here are some ideas:
- Candied Orange Peels: Simmer orange peels in water, then boil them in sugar syrup until they become candied.
- Orange Marmalade: Use orange peels to make a delicious marmalade.
- Salad Dressings: Add grated orange zest to salad dressings for a citrusy flavor.
- Homemade Face Masks: Mix dried and ground orange peels with other ingredients to make a homemade face mask.
- Natural Cleaner: Use orange peels to make a natural cleaner by soaking them in white vinegar for a few weeks, then straining and using the liquid to clean surfaces.
- Air Freshener: Simmer orange peels in water with cinnamon and cloves for a natural air freshener.
- Insect Repellent: Use orange peels to naturally repel insects and pets.
- Exfoliant: Dehydrate and grind orange peels to use as a mild exfoliant for body scrubs and lip scrubs.
- Flavor Enhancer: Use grated orange zest to add flavor to meals.
- Tea: Dry orange peels and add them to tea for a subtle citrusy taste.
Orange peels are also packed with Vitamin C, which provides many health benefits, including maintaining the health of bones, skin, and teeth, promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system. They also contain powerful antioxidant compounds that may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and hypertension.