There are many uses for dried orange peels, from infused oil to potpourri.You can use dried orange peels to make lovely homemade gifts, or add another layer to your favorite dish.If you have time, you can dry orange peels in the oven or at room temperature.
Step 1: The oranges should be washed.
Use a fruit wash to clean the fruit.Put a small amount on the orange and rub it into the skin, then rinse it away with water.If you don't have a fruit wash, rinse the orange in hot water to get rid of the wax.
Step 2: Peel the oranges.
You can peel oranges with a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife.The white pith has a bitter flavor so remove as much of it as possible.Remove the pith from the peel with a knife or spoon.
Step 3: The peels should be cut into pieces.
Depending on what you plan to use the peels for, you may want to cut them into large chunks or thin strips.The pieces should be even in size so they dry at the same rate, no matter what you want them for.After you dry them, the peels can cut into smaller pieces or be ground up.
Step 4: Spread them on a baking sheet.
Place a sheet of paper on the baking sheet.Place the peel on the paper in a single layer.
Step 5: The peels should be baked for 30 to 60 minutes.
The lowest setting for your oven is usually 200 F.You should check on the peels often to make sure they don't burn.The peels can be done when they are hardened and curl.Let the peel cool completely after removing the tray from the oven.You can leave the orange peel on the baking sheets in the open for a few days to dry them out.They should be stirred once per day.
Step 6: If you want, you can grind the dried orange peels.
Depending on how you plan to use the peels, you can either grind them or leave them whole.The dried orange peel can be grinded in a coffee grinder or food processor.Leave them in strips or chunks.
Step 7: They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 months.
You can keep orange peels in a jar or Tupperware container for up to 3 months in the refrigerator.This method can be used to dry the peel of lemons and limes.
Step 8: Add tea with dried orange peels.
Put a strip or two of dried orange peel into a cup of tea.The orange flavor is great with tea.
Step 9: There are strips of dried orange peel in the oil.
Add a few strips of dried orange peel to the jar with 4 cup of oil.The orange flavor will be more intense if you add more.Allow the oranges to steep in the oil for a week by covering the jar with a tight-fitting lid.You can use it in salad dressing, roasted veggies, or in your favorite baking recipe.
Step 10: Salt with orange peel and herbs.
Add your favorite salts to a jar.If you want to add flavor to your next meal, mix all the ingredients thoroughly and use the flavored salt.It is a great gift idea.
Step 11: The dried orange peels can be used in potpourri.
Put dried orange peels, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, dried flowers, and a few drops of essential oil in a container.Shake the container a few times a day to allow the smell to strengthen.Put the potpourri in a pretty vase or bowl and put it in your home.
Step 12: You can make an orange peel sugar scrub.
Combine sugar, coconut oil, and ground dried orange peel in a bowl.Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients, then transfer the mixture to a jar and cover it with a lid.It can be used to scrub your body in the shower.