How to use discarded orange peelings

Orange peelings can have several uses.

An orange is rich in vitamin C and calcium. Eat it as a snack. Or, squeeze it to make fresh juice for your breakfast table. While the orange's flesh has numerous uses, the protective peel on the outside is usually discarded in the trash. Like the fruit, the peel can be useful because of its versatility. Use it for fresh orange jam or candy it for a sweet dessert. You also can combine the peel with herbs for a natural insect repellent.

Things You'll Need

• Knife
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• Jam jars
• or
• Water
• Stockpot
• Witch hazel or rubbing alcohol
• Spritzer bottle
• 5 to 6 sage or mint leaves
• 1 pennroyal leaf
• 1 cup olive oil
• Sterilized glass jar
• Pan to heat oil
• Paring knife
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 tsp. ginger
• Saucepan
• Candy thermometer
• 2 cookie sheets
• Cooking oil

Instructions

Make Orange Jam

1. Remove the membrane from the orange peel with a knife. Wash the peel before cutting it into slices. Set aside while preparing the water for boiling.

2. Heat enough water to boiling to cover the orange peelings. Add 1 cup sugar for each quart of peelings. Add peelings to the boiling water and sugar mixture. Boil until the mixture is of medium consistency. It should be juicy but not liquid.

3. Add 1/4 cup lemon juice and 2 tsp. vanilla extract. Ladle into jars. Store in the refrigerator. This makes a sweet, tangy jam that is good on bread or toast.

Repel Insects

1. Brew a tea using 2 qts. of water for each quart of orange peels. Add 4 or 5 mint leaves if you wish to change the scent. Soak the peelings overnight and drain the next morning.

2. Make a mixture of 50 percent tea and 50 percent witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. Place in a spritzer bottle designed for spraying.

3. Spray your body before going outdoors. Take the spritzer bottle with you to ensure that you are covered especially after swimming or following strenuous excise where perspiration may weaken the effect of the repellent.

4. Use an oil-based repellent instead of liquid. It can be made by placing 1 pt. orange peels, 1 or 2 sage or mint leaves or 1 pennyroyal leaf in a sterilized glass jar. Pour 1 cup hot olive oil in the jar and cover. Let the mixture sit in a dark place for a week. Rub the oil on exposed skin before outdoor exercise.

Candy Orange Peels

1. Strip the membrane from the inside of the peel with a paring knife. Discard the membrane as it has no further use.

2. Wash and clean the peel. Cut into thin, 1-inch slices. Set aside.

3. Mix 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup corn syrup, 1/2 cup water and 1/4 tsp. ginger. Place in a saucepan. Bring this mixture to a simmer and cook until it reaches 290 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer.

4. Add 3 to 4 cups peels into the syrup. Continue cooking for 10 minutes or until the skins becomes transparent. Coat cookie sheets with cooking oil or spray.

5. Drop the peels onto the cookie sheets to cool and dry. These candied orange peels should be stored in an airtight container.

Tips & Warnings

• Store discarded orange peels in the refrigerator to prevent them from spoiling before you use them.

• Do not use pennyroyal leaves in making insect repellent oil if you are pregnant or wish to become so.

References

• GoMestic: 10 Unique Uses for Orange Peels
• Green Living: Orange Peel Tips
• Planet Green: 5 Reuses for Orange Peels
• Bella Online: Make Your Own Herbal Insect Repellent

Resources

• Ecoki: How to Reuse Your Orange Peels
• Reader's Digest: 6 Secret Uses for Oranges