15 ways to reuse orange peel

Brazil is the largest producer of oranges in the world, followed by the USA and China. According to data from the National Association of Citrus Juice Exporters, 26% of the world’s orange production is carried out in Brazil. In addition, the country is also the largest producer of orange juice, representing a percentage of 53% of the world total, and the largest exporter of orange juice in the world, with 85% of international trade.

The reason for such a large production is the fact that the fruit is produced in large quantities during practically every month of the year, except April and May – when the soil is prepared for the new crop. In the remaining ten months, orange production is large and accelerated.

In addition to being a tasty fruit, orange is highly sought after and indicated due to its nutritional value: it is a rich source of vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin B6 and dietary fiber. It also contains a significant amount of minerals and helps fight diseases such as high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, constipation, heart disease and stomach ulcers. In addition, it contains antioxidants, which are effective in protecting the body from harmful free radicals.

Traditionally, the fruit is consumed in natura or through juices, jellies and sweets. It is very common for the orange peel to be discarded after consumption, but there are a number of creative ways to reuse the peels that are rich in essential oil and citric acid. Whether in food, cleaning or home decoration, orange peel can be very well reused, check out:

1. Shine Furniture

The white side of the shell can be used to polish and shine solid wood furniture.

2. sponge

Orange peels can become a natural sponge. It works just as well as a regular sponge and still leaves it smelling nice and slightly citrusy. In this case, the peel must not be dry.

3. Multipurpose Cleaner

In a bowl, mix some orange peels with enough white vinegar to cover them. Let the mixture rest in the fridge for four weeks and shake it at least twice a week. Transfer contents to a spray bottle and use to clean surfaces, floors and windows.

4. Tasty olive oil

Orange peel mixed with 1 cup (tea) of olive oil will produce a fragrant and tasty seasoning. Blend the ingredients in a food processor, set the mixture aside for an hour and strain.

5. Repel insects

Ants, flies and mosquitoes dislike a substance found in oranges and other citrus fruits: limonene. To avoid insects, you can put some orange peel in areas where pests are more common, such as in the garden.

6. Light the Barbecue

Replace the traditional newspaper used to light the barbecue with dried orange peels. The oils present in the shells contain a flammable substance that will cause the ignition to be fast.

7. Pleasant Smell

To make your house smell good, dry the orange peels, grind them in a food processor, and put them in bags, spreading them around the house, drawers and closets. Orange peels will also prevent mold from forming.

8. Eliminate foot odor

These same bags prepared with the orange peel can be placed inside your shoes that have an unpleasant smell. The bark will naturally absorb odors.

9. Clean microwave

Microwave the zest of four oranges in a bowl of water for five minutes on high power. Water vapor and citric acid cause dry dirt to loosen and dissolve, making the oven easier to clean.

10. Sponge for the body

Just wrap some orange peels in a gauze and use as a body sponge during the bath. The peel is naturally firm and has the power to brighten even your skin tone.

11. Make a candle

Here’s a fun craft project for the holidays: make an orange peel candle! All you need is an orange, some cooking oil and a sharp knife. Learn how to:

12. Clean and shiny glass

To restore the shine of glass objects, soak them for five minutes in a place with hot water and some orange peel. After the process, wash the parts normally. The citric acid will make the pieces shine!

13. Keep dogs away from pots

If you want to protect your plants from the “attack” of your dog, the ideal is to put some orange peels in the vase. The citrus scent of the orange peel will help keep dogs away from plants. The husks should be changed when they are dry.

14. Loose brown sugar

Putting a piece of orange peel in the brown sugar container will prevent it from getting hardened. The bark should be replaced once a month.

15. Candied orange peels

Candied orange peels work great for garnishing sweets and treats. Check out the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 dozen and 1/2 shells without the white film;
• 3 cups of sugar tea;
• 1 and 1/2 cup of water.

Preparation mode:

• Put the water and sugar until a thick syrup boils, without stirring;
• Put the shells and keep stirring;
• After it foams and the syrup is thick again, remove it from the fire, throw the shells on a cold marble and keep stirring with the spatula until it crystallizes;
• Leave overnight until firm.

Heads up

When reusing the peels, look to buy organically grown oranges, especially if you plan to eat them or use them on your body. The peels of conventionally grown oranges are often sprayed with pesticides and are not always safe to eat. Another option is to wash the fruit in cold water to remove as much pesticide as possible.