Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, naartjies, and grapefruits bring a burst of freshness to our meals and drinks, but did you know their peels can also be incredibly useful around the house?
Before tossing them in the bin, consider these simple and effective ways to give citrus peels a second life. Here are 12 clever uses for those vibrant rinds!
12 clever uses for those citrus peels:
1. Freshen up your trash can
No one enjoys the smell of a stinky garbage can. To keep odours at bay, drop a few citrus peels at the bottom of your trash can. They’ll naturally absorb bad smells, leaving your kitchen smelling fresh.
2. Start a cosy fire
Dried citrus peels make fantastic fire starters. Not only do they catch fire easily, but they also release a pleasant aroma as they burn. Air dry them at room temperature or pop them in the oven to dry out before your next bonfire or camping trip.
3. Natural breath freshener
Chewing on a piece of fresh citrus peel can give you minty-fresh breath in a pinch. Just scrape off the bitter white pith before chewing, and enjoy the natural flavour.
4. Elevating bath time
Turn your bath into a spa-like experience by adding a few citrus peels to the water. The essential oils in the peels can help boost your mood and leave your skin feeling refreshed.
5. Garnish your drinks
Add a touch of elegance to your tea or cocktails with dried citrus peels. Remove the pith, dry the peels, and store them in an airtight container. They’ll add both flavour and visual appeal to your beverages.
6. DIY household cleaner
If you’re a fan of vinegar-based cleaners but not the scent, citrus peels can help. Soak them in vinegar for a week or two, then mix the citrus-infused vinegar with water in a spray bottle. It’s a natural and fresh-smelling cleaner for your home.
7. Make your own lemon pepper
Lemon pepper seasoning is a kitchen staple, and it’s easy to make at home. Simply dry lemon peels, grind them into a powder, and mix with salt and pepper. You’ll have a zesty seasoning ready for your next meal.
8. Simmer for a natural air freshener
Create a soothing scent in your home by simmering citrus peels in water on the stove. It’s a simple, natural way to fill your space with a fresh, uplifting aroma. Just remember to keep an eye on the pot!
9. Sweet treats with candied peels
Candied citrus peels are a delightful snack or addition to baked goods. They can be stored for months and used to enhance everything from scones to cocktails. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make.
10. DIY body scrub
Citrus peels can be the star of your next DIY beauty project. Combine dried and ground peels with sugar or salt to create a natural body scrub. The Vitamin C in the peels will leave your skin feeling smooth and revitalised.
11. Craft a cocktail ingredient
Use citrus peels to create oleo-saccharum, a key ingredient in classic cocktails like the old-fashioned. Simply peel the citrus, mix the peels with sugar, and let them sit until the oils are released. The result is a fragrant, flavourful syrup perfect for mixing drinks.
12. Keep drawers smelling fresh
Instead of store-bought sachets, use dried citrus peels to freshen up your drawers. Place them in a small cloth bag or an old sock, and tuck them into your drawers to keep your clothes smelling clean and citrusy.
Citrus peels are more than just kitchen scraps—they’re versatile, natural, and can bring a little extra zest into your daily life. So next time you’re enjoying a citrusy treat, remember to save those peels and try out some of these easy and eco-friendly ideas.
Compiled by Maegan-Leigh Jacobs
First published by Food & Home
Also see: Top 5 most popular citrus fruits
