How do I Make Sweet Orange Oil?
Sweet oranges are grown in the United States and are available in many varieties, such as the Hamlin, Parson Brown, Valencias and Navels. While oranges are most commonly known for their juice and sweet taste, there are several other uses for them as well. Sweet orange oil is made from orange peels and then used in homemade products, including soaps, perfumes, lotions and even as a weed killer. Sweet orange oil is aromatic and is also known for its medicinal and therapeutic uses. While the process of extracting the essential oil of a sweet orange is tedious and generally done with the use of special distillation devices, you can easily make sweet orange oil at home by either infusing it in another carrier oil or boiling it in water.
Things You'll Need
- Peeler or knife
- Carrier oil of your choice (almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil or grapeseed oil)
- Sweet orange peels
- 2 canning jars
- Strainer
- Double boiler
- Water
Instructions
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Sweet Orange Oil Infusion
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1
Peel an orange carefully, peeling only the top orange rind using a knife or a peeler.
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2
Dry the rinds that you have just peeled by letting them sit for a day or two until they are completely dry.
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3
Take a canning jar and fill it with the dried sweet orange peels.
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4
Cover the peels with a carrier oil of your choice. You can also warm up the oil slightly, making it easier for the peels to infuse in the oil.
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5
Cover the jar tightly and let it sit for three to six weeks.
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6
Strain the oil with a strainer into another jar.
Sweet Orange Oil Water Extraction
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7
Cut the peels in smaller pieces and place them in a double boiler. You can use fresh peels for water extraction.
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8
Add water to the peels and simmer them at a low temperature. Allow them to simmer for an entire day. The longer they simmer, the more oil will be extracted.
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9
Strain the liquid into a canning jar and cover tightly.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If any water seeps to the bottom of the container when making an infused oil, transfer the oil from the surface to another container and leave the water content behind.
Always label all of your oils so that you can conveniently access them in the future.
Don't forget to add water to the bottom pan of your double boiler so as to prevent it from being damaged.
References
- Photo Credit orange and red orange fruit image by Tomo Jesenicnik from Fotolia.com
