No Waste: Two Creative Ideas to Reuse Citrus Peels

Citrus peels are a treasure often overlooked in the kitchen!

Not only are they wonderfully fragrant, but they can also be transformed into versatile ingredients to enhance your recipes. Today, I’m sharing two simple and delicious ways to reduce waste and give orange peels a second life.

CANDIED ORANGE PEELS

This is a true indulgence, perfect as a snack or a homemade gift.

INGREDIENTS:

• Orange peels
• Sugar
• Water
• Dark chocolate
• Crushed nuts, pistachios, or sugar sprinkles (optional, for decoration).

Use the same weight for sugar and water as the orange peels

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 Wash the oranges thoroughly and cut the peels into strips.

2 Blanch the peels in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain and repeat the process two more times always starting with fresh cold water, to remove bitterness.

3 In a saucepan, dissolve the sugar in the water over low heat to create a syrup.

4 Add the peels to the saucepan and simmer gently until they become translucent and soft (about 30 minutes).

5 Transfer the peels to a wire rack and let them dry for at least 12 hours.

6 Roll the candied peels in granulated sugar for extra sweetness and texture.

7 Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler and dip the candied peels, coating them halfway or entirely.

8 While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the peels with crushed nuts, pistachios, or sugar sprinkles for an extra touch.

9 Allow the chocolate to set on parchment paper before storing the peels in an airtight container.

Storage Tips:

• In an airtight container: Store the candied orange peels in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
• In the refrigerator: If your kitchen is warm or humid, you can refrigerate the peels in a sealed container. This helps preserve the chocolate coating and extends their shelf life to about 1 month.
• Freezing option: For longer storage, place the peels in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Pro Tip: Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or near strong-smelling foods, as they can absorb odors or the chocolate might melt.

CITRUS PEEL POWDER

Citrus peel powder is a fantastic ingredient to add flavor to desserts, teas, savory dishes, or even homemade scrubs!

INGREDIENTS:

• Orange, lemon, and clementine peels (washed and dried thoroughly).

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 Slice the peels into thin strips, removing as much of the white pith as possible to avoid bitterness.

2 Dry them in a dehydrator or in a fan oven at low temperature (50-60°C / 120-140°F) until completely dried. This can take 2-4 hours, depending on the thickness of the peels.

3 Once dried, let them cool completely

4 Grind the peels into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or food processor.
5 Store the powder in an airtight jar and use it to enhance your culinary creations!

Tip: Mix the powder with cane sugar to create citrus-flavored sugar, perfect for teas or cocktails.

VIDEO RECIPE: