Sustainable Living: 4 Unique Ways You Can Put Citrus Peels To Good Use

There are numerous citrus fruits, but the most common are oranges and lemons, and you can use both for the handy DIY tricks below. The peels of citrus fruits like lemons, grapefruits, limes, tangerines, and oranges contain nutrients and the best smelling oils, making them a nifty ingredient for DIY recipes.

So, if you have been throwing them in the trash, you have been using your citrus fruits wrongly. You may already be aware of the most common use of citrus peels — using rinds to spice dishes — but it is just one out of the numerous ways to reuse them.

Here are four genius ways to use your citrus peels:

1. Make Candied Citrus Peels

Are you looking for a fun and economical way to use lemon peels? Then try making some candied peels! This recipe combines the intense flavour of the citrus fruit with the sweetness of sugar to produce an addictive treat that will be a family favourite quickly.

All you need are citrus peels (lemon and orange are highly recommended), sugar and water! The peels are cut into thin slices and cooked until they're transparent and easy to bite through. They are then spread on parchment paper for an average of 15 minutes before filling in sugar. Let it dry overnight, and you'll have the tastiest fruit snack!

2. Make Citrus-infused Oils

Another smart way you can avoid wasting your citrus peels is by using them to add flavour to water — and almost any fluid that you enjoy drinking. Add strips of rinds to a jar of water and let it sit in the fridge overnight. For oil, vinegar, and spirits, all you need to do is toss the peels into a bottle or container, seal them up, and place it in a cool, dark place for one to two weeks.

3. Make Air Fresheners

Citrus peels are your best bet when you're out of deodorizer. The recipe only requires everyday household items, is straightforward, and the product isn't toxic! All you have to do is dry the peels using a dehydrator or by baking them in the oven at the lowest setting for at least 20 minutes. Then, combine them in a small pot or pantyhose for a quick way to freshen up your space and eliminate any odours.

4. Make Homemade Oleo-saccharum

Oleo-saccharum is essential in cocktail recipes as it bestows an exciting burst of flavour in the drinks. It is typically made from the peels of six to eight citrus fruits. To prepare, mix the rinds with sugar in a bowl and let sit for a few hours. You'll be amused at how the product can take your cocktails from 10 to 100 in just a second!

Do you know more genius ways to put citrus peels to good use?