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Learn how to make dried orange peels at home (plus 5 ways to use them)
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Dried orange peels can be used in a multitude of ways, from infused oil to potpourri. You can add another dimension to your favorite dish or dessert, or create lovely homemade gifts using dried orange peels. It’s quite easy to dry orange peels, and you can do it in the oven or at room temperature, depending on how much time you have.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Dehydrating the Peels

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  1. Use a fruit wash to clean the peels and remove any wax or pesticides. Put only a small amount on the orange and rub it into the skin, then rinse it away fully with running water. If you don’t have a fruit wash, rinse the orange in hot water to dissolve the wax.[1]
  2. Peel the oranges. Dry the oranges, then peel them by hand, with a sharp knife, or with a vegetable peeler. Remove as much of the white pith from the skin as possible, as it has a bitter flavor. Simply scrape the pith off the peel with a knife or spoon.[2]
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  3. Depending on what you plan to use the peels for, you may want to cut them into large chunks (for potpourri) or thin strips (for infusing oils). No matter what you want them for, the pieces should be even in size so they dry at the same rate.[3]
    • Keep in mind that the peels can always cut into smaller pieces or ground up after you dry them.
  4. Place a sheet of parchment paper on top of a baking sheet. Then, place the peels on the parchment paper in a single layer, without any overlap.[4]
  5. You want your oven to be at the lowest possible setting, which is usually 200 °F (93 °C). Check on the peels often to be sure they don’t burn. They’re done when the peels harden and curl. Remove the tray from the oven and let the peels cool completely.[5]
    • Alternatively, you can leave the orange peels on the baking sheets out in the open at room temperature for several days to dry them out. Stir them once per day.[6]
  6. The decision to grind the peels or leave them whole will depend on how you plan to eat or otherwise use them. If you want orange peel powder for marinades, flavored salts, or sugar scrubs, you can grind the dried peels in a coffee grinder or food processor. Otherwise, leave them in strips or chunks.
  7. A jar or Tupperware container will work well for storing orange peels, and they will last for up to 3 months in the refrigerator. You can use this method to dry the peels of other citrus fruits, including lemons and limes, as well![7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Dried Orange Peels

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  1. Put a strip or two of dried orange peel into a cup of your favorite freshly-steeped tea. The orange flavor is especially delicious with green or black tea.[8]
  2. Put 14 cup (59 ml) of oil (like olive or coconut) in a jar and add a few strips of dried orange peel. The more you add, the more intense the orange flavor will be. Cover the jar with a tight-fitting lid and allow the oranges to steep in the oil for about a week.[9]
    • Use orange-infused oil in homemade salad dressing, drizzle it over veggies and roast them, or use it in your favorite baking recipe.
  3. Add ground orange peels and dried thyme or rosemary to a jar full of your favorite salt. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and use the flavored salt to add an extra dimension to your next meal. It is also a wonderful homemade gift idea.[10]
  4. Fill an airtight container with dried orange peels, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, dried flowers, and a few drops of an essential oil like clove, orange, or cinnamon. Let it sit for 3 days, shaking the container a few times each day, to allow the aroma to strengthen. Then, place the potpourri in a pretty vase or bowl and set it out in your home.[11]
  5. Combine 1 cup (225 g) of sugar, 12 cup (120 ml) of coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) (12.5 g) of 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. Use it to scrub your body in the shower for smooth, orange-scented skin.[12]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Where can I buy fruit wash?
    Maggie Peterson
    Maggie Peterson
    Community Answer
    You can buy fruit wash at most supermarkets. It is usually available in the fruit and vegetable section.
  • Question
    Can i make items out of these peels?
    Maggie Peterson
    Maggie Peterson
    Community Answer
    You can use dry orange peels in potpourri. You can leave them out in a dish with cinnamon sticks and cloves.
  • Question
    Will it help eyelash growth?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, it will not make your eyelashes grow, it has no hormonal effect.
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About This Article

Ashley Crawford
Reviewed by:
Private Chef
This article was reviewed by Ashley Crawford and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophia Bell. Chef Ashley Crawford is a Private Chef and the Founder of A Taste of Chef Ash. Chef Ashley started in the culinary industry when she was 14. She specializes in Creole and Cajun cuisine but has experience in all culinary topics. She has been featured in ESPN and Sports Illustrated for her culinary work with athletes. This article has been viewed 66,224 times.
36 votes - 97%
Co-authors: 7
Updated: February 14, 2024
Views: 66,224
Article SummaryX

To dry orange peels, start by cutting the peels into equal-sized chunks or strips. Then, spread the peels out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure none of them are overlapping. Next, bake the peels for 30-60 minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit, or until they harden and curl. Finally, remove the peels from the oven, and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To learn how to use your dried orange peels, scroll down!

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Reader Success Stories

  • Greta Lord

    Greta Lord

    Nov 8, 2021

    "I'm a florist and wanted to incorporate orange peels in with my scrap floral petals to make potpourri. This..." more
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