Craft Sweet Candied Peels
One of the most classic ways to preserve orange rinds is by candying them. These sweet, chewy morsels are a delightful treat on their own, fantastic when dipped in chocolate, or a vibrant addition to baked goods like scones and cakes. To make them, start
by slicing your peels into quarter-inch strips. To reduce bitterness, boil them in water for about 15-20 minutes and then drain. Next, create a simple syrup by dissolving sugar in water in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the boiled peels to the syrup and let them simmer on low for about an hour, or until they become soft and translucent. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the peels to a wire rack to dry for at least 30 minutes before tossing them in granulated sugar for a sparkling finish.
Make a Quick-Set Marmalade
You don't need a whole weekend or a crate of oranges to make a delicious marmalade. A small batch can be made with just the peels from a few oranges, some sugar, and water. Start by julienning the peels. To soften them and remove some bitterness, you can boil them for a few minutes. In a pot, combine your peels with sugar, water, and the juice and chopped flesh of the oranges if you have them. Bring the mixture to a boil and then let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. The natural pectin found in the orange's pith will help the marmalade set. Once it's ready, pour it into a clean jar and refrigerate. It’s a perfect, tangy spread for your morning toast.
Create a Zesty Orange Powder
Imagine having a potent, citrusy powder on hand to sprinkle over desserts, yoghurts, or even savoury stir-fries. Making orange peel powder is incredibly simple and requires only one ingredient. First, make sure your peels are clean. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. You can let them air-dry on a sunny windowsill, which may take a few days, or speed up the process by using a dehydrator or an oven set to its lowest temperature for several hours. The goal is to make them completely dry and brittle. Once they are bone-dry, break them into smaller pieces and grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or a high-powered blender. Store your homemade orange powder in an airtight jar in the fridge.
Infuse an All-Purpose Cleaner
Moving beyond the kitchen, orange peels can be used to create a fragrant, effective, and all-natural household cleaner. The natural oils in the peels, particularly D-limonene, act as a solvent and degreaser. To make it, simply pack a glass jar, like a Mason jar, with your leftover orange peels. Pour plain white vinegar over the peels until they are completely submerged. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a dark place, such as under the sink, for two to four weeks to allow the vinegar to infuse. After the infusion period, strain out the peels. Dilute the resulting orange-scented vinegar with an equal amount of water in a spray bottle, and you have a powerful multi-purpose cleaner for countertops, floors, and glass.
Whip Up an Oleo-Saccharum
Oleo-saccharum, which translates to "oil-sugar," is a secret weapon for elevating cocktails and other beverages. This technique uses sugar to pull the essential oils directly from the citrus peels, creating a rich, intensely fragrant syrup. Simply place your orange peels in a bowl and cover them generously with granulated sugar. Muddle or press the peels into the sugar to help kick-start the process. Within a few hours, the sugar will draw the oils out of the peels, turning the dry sugar into a flavourful, liquid syrup. You can let it sit for a few hours or even overnight for a more intense flavour. Once ready, strain out the peels. The resulting syrup is a fantastic addition to cocktails, iced tea, or lemonade, providing a depth of citrus flavour that juice alone cannot match.
