How to Dry Citrus Rinds for Soap Making

Make use of those citrus fruit rinds by drying them for soap.

The use of citrus rinds in your soap-making provides a natural fruity scent to your soap that lasts long after the soap’s application. For use, however, you’ll need to dry the rinds completely. The drying process is a simple one, requiring little more than a place for the rinds to sit. Before you can begin the drying process, though, there is some preparation required, but the prep work can be completed quickly, allowing you to begin the process of adding the smell of lemons, oranges, grapefruit and more to your homemade soap.

Things You'll Need

• Citrus rinds
• Paring knife
• Bowls
• Plate
• Baking trays

Instructions

1. Peel the rind from the citrus fruit with a paring knife. Try to get as long of a peel as possible from the fruit to make it easier to prepare the rind for drying. Place the peels into a wide bowl as you collect them until you have the amount desired.

2. Place the peel flat onto a plate with the outside of the peel facing downward. Use the paring knife to scrape away the white pith from the rear of the peels. Place this pith into a second bowl for disposal.

3. Place the peels onto a baking sheet and then set them into a warm, dark area for drying. Leave them in place until they dry out completely, darkening and stiffening in the process. The drying process should take two or three days, depending on the conditions of the room in which you’ve placed the peels.

4. Remove the rinds from the baking sheet and place them into a sealable plastic bag or dark lidded jar. Make certain the bag or jar is closed tight to preserve the aroma of the rinds for later use.

References

• The Herb Gardener: How to Dry Citrus Peel
• Fruit Expert; How Do I Dry Citrus Fruit?; Anna Hinds; December 2010