So, you’ve just enjoyed a juicy orange and are about to toss the peel? Hold up—there’s a whole world of possibilities for those peels that often go overlooked. From creating your own natural cleaning solutions to whipping up some surprisingly sweet snacks, let’s explore some awesomely creative ways to give those orange peels a second life.
![A white bowl filled with orange peels on a wooden surface with whole oranges in the background.](https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Orange-Peel.jpg)
Candied Orange Peels
![Bowl of candied orange peels with fresh oranges on the side.](https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Candied-Orange-Peel.jpg)
Turn those peels into a sweet treat! Simply boil them in sugar water, then dip in sugar or chocolate. They make a delicious snack or a fancy garnish for desserts and cocktails. It’s a fun way to reduce waste and enjoy something sweet.
Orange Marmalade
![A jar of orange marmalade surrounded by fresh oranges and zest on a wooden surface.](https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Orange-Marmalade.jpg)
Use the peels to make a zesty orange marmalade. Simmer the peels with sugar and water until it thickens into a tasty spread. Perfect for toast, sandwiches, or even as a glaze for meats, this marmalade will brighten up your meals.
Homemade Cleaner
![A basket of cleaning supplies on a kitchen counter.](https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Cleaning-products.jpg)
Create an eco-friendly cleaner by soaking peels in vinegar for a few weeks. The result is a natural cleaning solution that smells fresh and works wonders on greasy surfaces and windows. It’s a simple, sustainable way to keep your home sparkling.
Aromatherapy
![Dropper bottle with a single liquid drop poised to fall, with a blurred background of white flowers.](https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Essential-Oil.jpg)
For a DIY aromatherapy oil, start by peeling off as much of the white pith from the orange peels as you can, then slice the peels into small pieces. Place these in a jar and cover them with vodka, making sure they’re just submerged. Shake the jar a few times a day for a minimum of three days, then strain out the peels. Leave the jar uncovered to let the alcohol evaporate, leaving you with a fragrant orange oil that’s perfect for soothing the mind and freshening up your space.
Natural Pest Repellent
![Slugs eating lettuce in the garden.](https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Bugs-in-garden.jpg)
Scatter fresh or dried orange peels around your garden or place them in areas where pests are a problem. The citrus scent deters many types of insects, making it a safe and natural way to protect your plants and home from pests.
Skincare
![Woman examining her face in the mirror.](https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/woman-aging.jpg)
The peels can be dried and powdered to use as a natural skin brightening agent. Mix with your regular face pack for an antioxidant-rich treatment that helps to lighten dark spots and give your skin a healthy glow.
Citrus Salt
![A jar of orange body scrub with sea salt and whole oranges on a wooden surface.](https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Orange-and-salt.jpg)
Blend dried orange peels with coarse salt to create a flavorful citrus salt. It’s perfect for rimming cocktail glasses or seasoning dishes with a citrusy twist. This easy DIY adds a gourmet touch to your kitchen creations.
Steep with Tea
![A cup of tea with lemon and cinnamon sticks on the side.](https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Orange-Tea.jpg)
Add dried orange peels to your tea leaves for a citrusy kick. Whether you’re brewing a pot of black, green, or herbal tea, a little bit of orange peel adds a refreshing flavor and aroma. It’s a cozy way to upgrade your tea experience.
Zest and Freeze
![Fruit-infused ice cubes in a tray alongside fresh orange slices and mint leaves on a light surface.](https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Orange-in-ice-cubes.jpg)
Grate the orange peels to get zest and freeze it in an ice cube tray covered with water. Use these zest cubes to add a burst of flavor to drinks, baked goods, or cooking. It’s a smart way to preserve and use the zest anytime you need it.
Infuse Olive Oil
![Golden liquid, likely oil, being poured into a glass bowl on a wooden surface.](https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/oil.jpg)
Submerge the peels in olive oil and let them sit for a few weeks, then strain. This infused oil is fantastic for dressings, marinades, or drizzling over dishes for a subtle orange flavor.
Make a Simmer Pot
![Orange peels boiling in a pot on a stove.](https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Simmering-orange-peel.jpg)
Combine orange peels with spices like cinnamon and cloves in a pot of water. Simmer on the stove to fill your home with a warm, inviting scent. It’s a lovely, natural way to create a cozy atmosphere, especially during colder months.
10 Creative Ways To Use Coffee Grinds You Probably Never Thought Of
![Coffee beans and coffee powder on a wooden table.](https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Coffee.jpg)
You know those coffee grinds you usually toss out after brewing your morning cup? Turns out, they’re like gold for a bunch of cool and unexpected uses. Here’s a fun list of unique and creative ways to give those grinds a second life, from greening up your garden to jazzing up your skincare routine.
See Them Here: 10 Creative Ways To Use Coffee Grinds You Probably Never Thought Of
13 Surprising Uses For Rolled Oats That Aren’t Just Oatmeal
![A plate with blueberry waffles with blueberry fruit sauce.](https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/oatmeal-waffles-MSN-1.jpg)
If you think oats are just for hot breakfast bowls, think again. We’ve whipped up a list of 13 awesome recipes using rolled oats that show just how versatile they can be. From sweet treats like chocolate-baked oats to savoury snacks like no-bake bites, these creative and unique recipes prove that oats are more than just a one-trick pony.
See Them Here: 13 Surprising Uses For Rolled Oats That Aren’t Just Oatmeal
15 Foods We Hated As Kids But Now Can’t Live Without
![A boy holding a tomato and lettuce.](https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/kid-hating-food-1-1200x675.jpg)
Remember those foods we used to push around on our plates, hoping they’d somehow disappear when we weren’t looking? Now they’ve somehow become the foods we love most. It’s funny how things change once you’re all grown up. This list is a shout-out to those foods we used to avoid like the plague but now find ourselves craving on the regular.
See Them Here: 15 Foods We Hated As Kids But Now Can’t Live Without
Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.