Dried Orange Peels (2024)

Dried orange peel is called for in recipes, potpourris, mulling spices and so much more. Drying your own orange peels is super simple and cost-effective when you can't find it in your local grocery store.

I was making homemade bitters for co*cktails when I realized I had more oranges than I could use before they went bad. So I dried the peels for future use!

🍊 Ingredients needed:

• Orange - I will use a navel orange or any other variety of orange that has a smooth, unblemished skin.

Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the recipe at the bottom for quantities.

📝 Notes on the ingredients

Because you are consuming the peel of the orange and not just the inside fruit, I choose an organic orange. There is a nondetectable amount of fungicides found in organic oranges.

• Vegetable peeler - I use the red, straight edge one in this set. It fits my hand perfectly!
• Sheet pan - this one has edges and I like edges when I am having to stir what I am drying part way through the drying proess.
• Parchment paper - It just makes the clean up porcess so easy. And parchment paper is reusable!

🍊 How to make dried orange peels, basic instructions

1. Wash and dry oranges.
2. Peel the orange part of the orange.
3. Chop the orange rhind.
4. Bake at 250 in 15-minute increments until dried.
5. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

📷 Making dried orange peels, photo instructions

1. Wash and dry oranges.
   
2. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the orange color along with a bit of the white pith of the orange.
   
3. Stack the peels on top of each other and slice into strips.
4. Cut in the opposite direction to dice the peels.
   
5. Sprinkle on a parchment paper-lined baking pan.
6. Bake at 250 in 15-minute increments, stiring every 15 minutes, until dried.
   
7. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

🔪 How to make powdered orange peel, basic instructions

1. Wash and dry oranges.
2. Peel the orange part of the orange catching just a small bit of the white pith.
3. Chop the orange rhind and sprinkle the diced peels on a parchment paper-lined baking pan.
4. Bake at 250 in 15-minute increments until dried, stirring every 15 minutes.
5. Cool completely and place in a blender, food processor or high speed belnder. Pulse until pulverized and then blend until it becomes a powder consistancy.
6. Store in a cool dry place in an air tight container.

💭 What is orange peel powder used for?

• Anti inflammatory and can help reverse sun damage.
• Use in a face-mask to help reduce the look of pores.
• Add to your shower cream as a gentle exfoliator. Learn more about the skin benefits of orange peel powder.

❄️ Storage Tips

If you store your peels in an air-tight container and store them in a dark, cool, dry place, dried orange peelswill last for up to 3 years. I don't make a large batch more than once a year because it can last me that long. Just be sure that they arecompletely dried before storing.

🍊Recipes with dried orange peels

I use them in recipes such as mulling spices but they can also be added to a tea blend to bring bright flavors to your cup of tea. If your peels are super dried, you can pulse them in a food processor until they become orange peel powder. Often that is a hard-to-find ingredient and you can make it at home!

• Add it to icing for Cherry scones
• Use a spoonful in a simmer pot along with cranberries, cinnamon and cloves.
• Add some to your tea diffuser for a burst of bright citrus flavor.
• Include orange peel powder in marinades for beef recipes such as flank steak fajitas.

📝 Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:

📖 Recipe

👩🏻‍🍳 Sarah Mock

CEO/Owner/Founder/Culinary Blogger

Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 14 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.

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