50 + Orange Peel Recipes

Discover over 50 creative ways to use orange peels, from candied orange peel to refreshing drinks with citrus or savory dishes.

I strive for zero waste in cooking, and if you’re looking for ways to use leftover orange peels, look no further. Here’s the ultimate collection of recipes to inspire you.

Orange peel adds an extra burst of citrus flavor to your kitchen. By cooking or baking with orange peels, you reduce food waste, save money, and make the most of every part of your ingredients.

Why use Orange Peel and what are the benefits?

Orange peel might actually be better for you than the fruit itself, with nearly double the vitamin C content. Therefore, I love to use it in homemade remedies or simply make orange peel tea. In additon it contain flavonoids hesperidin studied for its potential anticancer effect.

The albedo, in particular, is one of the richest sources of pectin, a carbohydrate commonly used in making jams, jellies, and candied fruit. In fact, it has four times more pectin than the inner fruit. Pectin also helps ease and regulate intestinal function and blood sugar, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels.

Orange peels also contain potassium, vitamin A, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. (1) Plus, they’re rich in polyphenols, plant compounds with potential benefits like anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, and even diabetes support. With their antimicrobial properties you can use them for dental health(2)

The wonderful aroma that you smell when when peeling an orange comes from the essential oil limonene, which has anti-inflammatory benefits.

Orange peel contains a high amount of provitamin A, folate, riboflavin, vitamin B6, thiamine, and calcium, all of which are very beneficial for skin and hair.

In cooking, orange peels can add flavor and nutrition, and the scent from the oils can even lift your mood.

How to use Orange Peel in Recipes?

First is good to know that Orange peel has two layers.

The exocarp is the outer, orange-colored layer with citrus flavor, while the albedo is the inner, soft white part between the fruit and the peel.

For its bitter flavor, some people discard the bitter white pith, but the albedo is actually the most nutritious part of the orange.

One way how to remove the bitterness is blanching orange peel by boiling it in water for five minutes, then drain the peels and rinse under cold water. This process is repeated several times till the bitterness is gone.

I like to find the right balance. First leave the pith on to see if I like the taste. If it’s too bitter, just remove the white part and use the orange. Some recipes even call for the bitterness so you can use both layers.

Using a zester makes it easier to remove just the zest, but you can also use a vegetable peeler or knife.

Opt for organic oranges to avoid pesticides.

Fresh or dried Orange Peel?

You can use fresh orange peel or dry it for later use.

Fresh orange peel adds vibrant flavor and color to dishes, drinks, and desserts and is perfect for garnishing and enhancing the taste of recipes right away.

On the other hand, if I have an abundance of oranges, I love to dehydrate them and turn them into orange peel powder or orange garland.

This versatile powder can be used all year long for making orange extract, spice blends, baking, and teas. The same way I use lemon or other citrus fruits like grapefruit or tangerine.

Ready to use orange peels in your recipes? Here are over 50 ways to get started!

50 + Orange peel recipes to add citrusy flavor to your dishes

Orange Peel in desserts

Orange peel adds vibrant flavor and color, making it a fantastic addition to various desserts and sweet treats.

One of the most popular desserts where orange peel is a star are candied orange peel. Candying orange peel start by slicing the peels into strips about 1/4 inch wide. (Be sure to only cut through the peel and pith, leaving the orange intact). Add them to a medium saucepan and blanch them by boiling them in water for five minutes, then drain the peels and rinse under cold water; repeat this process two more times to reduce bitterness.

In a small saucepan, bring two cups of sugar and two cups of water to a boil over medium heat to dissolve the sugar. Once the sugar is dissolved, add the blanched peels and simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the peels become translucent and tender. Once done, remove the peels from the syrup and place them on a wire rack or parchment paper to cool and dry for several hours or overnight.

They are great when coated with sugar or dipped in chocolate, even though you can check the healthier version. Store the peels in an airtight container in a cool place at room temperature for up to a month.

However, You can get creative by incorporating it into cookie, muffin, or pancake batter.

Cakes and Cupcakes or Bread

Orange muffins and bread are a great way to incorporate plenty of flavor.

While not exactly desserts, there are many cookies and no bake treats that work really well with the citrusy orange rind.

Cookies, bars and other treats

Like cakes and cupcaces, orange cookies or biscuits are made by including ornge peel in just about any cookie recipe.

Preserves (jams, marmelades and syrups)

With many affordable oranges in the winter, I need to preserve them in syrups that I love using in cocktails. Morning toast with orange marmalade always brings a smile to my face.

I second the marmalade suggestion, but there’s also candied orange peel, or orange syrup.

Savory dishes

I like to use citrus peels in marinades for meat and savory dishes Orange peels mixed with lime juice, olive oil, hot sauce, garlic, cumin and chili powder make a great pollo/carne asada marinade.

Drinks and Smoothies

Cordials and teas are easy way to bring orange zest benefits to your diet. All you need is to add the peel to the alcohol or water for infusion. COrdials are great to use in cocktials