Not only do citrus fruits make the best base for cakes and fancy cocktails, but they are also super versatile and can be used in other foods, drinks, and even DIY household solutions. Whether it’s lemons, naartjies, or even grapefruit, citrus peels are packed with natural oils, aromas, and natural compounds that make them incredibly useful.
From natural bug spray to delicious homemade tea, here are 7 surprisingly useful ways to use citrus peels.
How to use citrus peels
1. Candy them
Citrus peels make for a delectable snack once the pith (that white, bitter stuff) is removed and they’re soaked in a sugar syrup. Candied citrus peels are super healthy (well, minus the sugar), providing more Vitamin C than the fruit itself, loads of Vitamin A and B-complex, manganese, calcium, and zinc.
When making the simple syrup, you can add herbs and spices like vanilla, mint, cinnamon, or star anise to make flavoured candies. You’ll need about 3 whole citrus fruits, 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water for the syrup, and extra sugar for drenching (and maybe some melted chocolate for dipping too).
Basic candied citrus peel recipe
- Boil citrus peels in water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove the pith from the citrus peels after boiling.
- Slice the citrus peels into even fingers, about 2cm long and 1 cm wide.
- Blanch the peels in water for 15 minutes and drain. Repeat another two times or until soft.
- Bring sugar and water to the boil (add in any flavourings here) and add blanched peels.
- Boil for 15 minutes or until the syrup becomes thick, with large bubbles.
- Remove the peels with a slotted spoon and place them into a container with sugar.
- Thoroughly coat the citrus peels in sugar and transfer to a wire rack (with a container or foil underneath) to cool.
- Store as is in an airtight container.
2. Make potpourri
Infuse your home with natural fragrance with citrus potpourri. Not only is it super simple to make, but it is also the perfect gift for a loved one! All you’ll need is a bag of your favourite citrus (or a mix), a dehydrator or oven, some spices (like cinnamon and star anise), and essential oil (like cinnamon, lavender, or more citrus oils). You can choose between keeping this mixture as a dry potpourri (using the essential oils to freshen it up from time to time) or as a wet potpourri, where you add water to the mixture in a pot and let it gently simmer throughout the day.
Basic potpourri recipe
- Slice and dehydrate whole citrus fruits or leftover citrus peels
- Combine citrus with your choice of spices and essential oils in a bowl
- Store in a decorative bowl, bell jar or muslin bag
- Top up with essential oils when needed
- OR gently simmer the mixture throughout the day
3. Natural bug spray
Citrus peels naturally contain limonene, a chemical harmful to insects (but not animals or plants). This chemical makes for the perfect natural bug spray. Super straightforward and budget-friendly, all you’ll need to make it is water, citrus peels, a stove, and a spray bottle.
Basic citrus bug spray
- Simmer a few citrus peels in water for 10 to 15 minutes
- Strain the liquid, removing the citrus peels (you can dry these out and use them to make a potpourri or make natural firelighters)
- Pour citrus liquid into a spray bottle and use around doorways, windows, or outdoor areas
4. Control fridge smells
We all know how certain foods can make your fridge smell (we’re looking at you, garlic, onion, and stinky cheese). A natural solution awaits! Use up any leftover citrus peels to combat fridge odours.
Natural deodoriser
- Place fresh or dried citrus peels into a bowl with a few tablespoons of baking powder
- Replace every 1 to 2 weeks
5. Remove sticky labels
Removing labels to upcycle bottles and jars can be a pain, especially if you don’t have any rubbing alcohol lying around. Luckily, the natural chemicals and oils in citrus peels can help break down the adhesive.
Natural adhesive dissolver
- Rub the sticky area with fresh citrus peel
- Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub off the residue in hot, soapy water
6. Brew citrus tea
Citrus tea has been brewed for many a century, revered for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bloating, and immune-boosting effects (among others). Use up leftover peels for a zesty, caffeine-free brew. If you’re feeling adventurous, add in extra aromatics like ginger, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, or your favourite herbs. Simply combine the ingredients and boil in water, and leave to steep for a few minutes before drinking.
Citrus tea recipe
- 1 tablespoon fresh or dehydrated citrus peels (thoroughly cleaned)
- A few aromatics (optional)
- 200 ml water
7. Soften brown sugar
Ever struggled with hardened sugar bowls? Citrus peels are great for preventing or softening hardened sugar. Simply place a few fresh citrus peels into the sugar container and leave it overnight to do its magic. If you like the idea of citrus-flavoured sugar, then leave the peels in and let them infuse the sugar over a few weeks. Use this in baking or for making zingy cocktails.
Next time you’re squeezing a lemon or peeling an orange, don’t let those fragrant skins go to waste. From eco-friendly cleaning to cosy teas, citrus peels pack a punch well beyond the fruit bowl.
Also See: How to grow citrus trees indoors and keep them thriving year-round
How to grow citrus trees indoors and keep them thriving year-round
