In the chilly months, I make it a habit to purchase boxes of citrus from our nearby farmers market, always opting for organic varieties. We thoroughly enjoy devouring the juicy fruits, infusing cleaning vinegar with their peels, creating homemade vitamin C powder from the skins, and even dehydrating slices for refreshing summer cocktails. Every part of the fruit is utilized for our overall well-being, ensuring nothing goes to waste!
Citrus peels are not to be overlooked!
They have incredible uses that can enhance your life. Make sure to choose pesticide-free fruits before trying out these eight amazing ideas for citrus peels:
Citrus peels contain various vitamins that can benefit our health. Here are the key vitamins typically found in citrus peels:
Vitamin C: Citrus peels are particularly rich in vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that supports immune function, collagen synthesis, wound healing, and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Vitamin A: Citrus peels contain small amounts of vitamin A, primarily in the form of beta-carotene. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, promoting cell growth and development, and supporting the immune system.
Vitamin B6: They have a modest amount of vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine. Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including metabolism, brain development, and the production of red blood cells.
Vitamin E: they contain traces of vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant and helps protect cells from oxidative damage. Vitamin E is also involved in immune function and supports healthy skin.
Folate: Citrus peels contain folate, a B-vitamin that is important for DNA synthesis, cell growth, and the production of red and white blood cells. Adequate folate intake is particularly crucial for pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects in their babies.
Here are 8 fantastic ways to use citrus peels:
Citrus Zest: Grate the citrus peels to create a fine zest that can be used to add flavor to various dishes and baked goods. You can even freeze any unused portions for future use.
Lemon-Infused Olive Oil: Create a gourmet treat by using dried lemon peels to make lemon-infused olive oil. Combine finely grated dried lemon zest with extra virgin olive oil in a glass jar, let it stand for two weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain out the zest, and your oil is ready to use. I usually dehydrate all my citrus peels to infuse oil as it can easily breed bacteria.
Citrus Scented Counter Cleaner: Preserve your orange peels in an airtight container, covering them with white vinegar. After a couple of weeks, strain out the peels, and you’ll have a natural orange-scented cleaner. You can use lemons or limes for a different scent, I also use grapefruit peel.
Flavorful Tea: Dry citrus peels and use them to make a delightful citrus-infused tea. Simply steep the dried peels in hot water for a refreshing and aromatic beverage and add raw honey to sweeten.
Natural Air Freshener: For as long as I can remember, I have been starting our day with a natural air freshener,bringing to a boil citrus peels with cinnamon and cloves so the whole family wakes up to that home comfort smell. Place citrus peels, cinnamon and cloves in a pot of water on the stove to release their fresh, citrusy scent and naturally freshen the air in your home.
Citrus Sugar Scrub: Mix finely chopped citrus peels with sugar and a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, to create an invigorating and exfoliating homemade sugar scrub.
Pest Deterrent: Scatter citrus peels around your garden or outdoor areas to help repel pests like ants, mosquitoes, and cats due to their natural oils.
Say Goodbye to Coffee Cup Stains: Fed up with stubborn brown stains inside your beloved coffee mug? Try this simple solution: Place a lemon peel in the stained mug, pour in some warm water, and let it sit for a few hours. Afterward, empty the mixture, give the mug a good scrub, and watch those coffee stains vanish! This method works equally well for tea stains.
DIY Vitamin C Powder: Creating your own vitamin C powder at home is a great alternative to store-bought options because it retains its live enzymes. Follow these steps: Peel your thoroughly washed, organic citrus fruits. Cut the peels into small, thin squares, and lay them on a cloth near a sunlit window. Allow the peels to dry and shrink over a few days, then grind them into a fine powder and store it in an airtight container.
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