Zero Waste Hacks: Orange Peel Powder How To and Uses

Orange peel powder, a humble yet potent ingredient, has long been cherished for its versatility and myriad benefits.

I sort of happened on this by chance. You see orange peels don't compost so well so I just left them on my counter to dry. I wasn't really sure what I was going to do with them, but I knew that they wouldn't rot as long as they were in the sun and near good airflow.

Sure enough. In just a few weeks those lovely orange peels that I had no clue what to do with were as dry as if they were in a food dehydrator but why waste electricity when you can just leave orange peels out to dry on your counter or outside on a ledge or table.

So, I decided to blend them into a powder and use them to give my next laundry washing a lovely citrus scent. Spoiler I didn't tie the bag cotton bag up so tight so I had orange bits all over my laundry haha! It wasn't that bad to clean up luckily and my clothes did smell great so a sort of win.

How did the Victorians do laundry in a sustainable and eco-friendly way?

Anyway, this whole orange powder peel stuff got me thinking and searching into the world of DIY orange peel powder, so let's explore its diverse applications, ranging from skincare to culinary delights and household hacks. 

Oh if you're wondering. Of course you can just buy orange peel powder on amazon, but it's literally the easiest DIY project you can try this year.

Making Orange Peel Powder at Home

Crafting orange peel powder at home is a straightforward process.

Step 1: Eat some oranges.

Step 2: Put the peels in the sun and air and let nature take its course.

Step 3: Blitz those dried orange peels into a powder.

Voila! You've unlocked the essence of oranges in powdered form.

Now I didn't blend my into a fine powder as I just wanted to reduce the size of the peels enough so that they could infuse the citrusy goodness into my laundry.

You can see that some folks with high powered blenders like a Vitamix or Blendtec can really pulverize those peels into a pulp... powder.

Skincare Benefits of Orange Peel Powder

Orange peel powder emerges as a skincare superhero say some, boasting natural exfoliating properties and a treasure trove of vitamins and nutrients. Incorporate it into your skincare routine by mixing it with water, yogurt, or honey to create rejuvenating face masks and scrubs.

Its exfoliating prowess helps slough off dead skin cells, unclog pores, and unveil a radiant complexion, making it a go-to solution for skincare enthusiasts. 

Like any new skincare regime you are trying go slow and test an area to be safe.

Culinary Adventures with Orange Peel Powder

Step into the realm of culinary creativity with orange peel powder as your culinary ally. Infuse your baked goods with a burst of citrusy flavor by adding orange peel powder to muffins, cakes, and cookies.

Elevate your savory dishes by incorporating it into dry rubs for chicken, fish, or even vegetables. The possibilities are endless, and the flavor enhancements are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.

I knew a guy that I met while volunteering in Portugal who really got into zesting. I mean he was all about orange zest. He put it on everything. You're about to cringe and recoil so be warned. He put zest on his oatmeal. Yes, he did. Hey, don't know it till you try it as it actually was good!

I think he would have got through a transcendental experience if he powdered his orange peels rather than just zesting the fresh peel

Household Hacks and Beyond

Beyond skincare and culinary exploits, orange peel powder shines as a household hero. Its abrasive texture and citrus scent make it an ideal natural cleaner for scrubbing surfaces and banishing stubborn stains. Embrace its aromatic qualities by incorporating it into homemade potpourri or sachets to infuse your living spaces with a refreshing zest.

Orange peels happily drying outside outside on my covered balcony.

I think orange powder would be a great addition to any DIY household cleaner. I can't believe we only gave it a mention for cleaning a garbage disposal with ice and peels in this post as it surely could be added to these natural homemade cleaning recipes.

FAQs:

1. How do you make orange peel powder at home? Making at orange peel powder at home is a simple process that involves drying orange peels and grinding them into a fine powder with a blender.

2. What is ground orange peel used for? Ground orange peel adds a zesty citrus flavor to culinary creations and can be used in baking, dry rubs, and salad toppings. Looking for tips on how to make your laundry more sustainable then check this post out.

3. How long does homemade orange peel powder last? Homemade orange peel powder can last for up to six months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

4. What can I do with orange peel powder? Orange peel powder can be used in skincare routines to create face masks and scrubs, in cooking to enhance flavor, and in household cleaning as a natural abrasive.

5. How to make orange powder Learn the art of making orange powder, a versatile ingredient for culinary and household applications, and explore its diverse uses in your daily life.

There you go. You know now the potential of orange peel powder. No excuses now for not using these for at least a few jobs around the house.

Isn't it fun to learn some new zero waste hacks! Got any? Leave some in the comments. Make your own laundry powder with orange powder peel? Better those laundry sheets with hidden plastic.