Orange Peel Powder
I love keeping orange, mandarin and tangerine peels. I dry them in the dehydrator and I blitz them in my blender to powder. As a natural Vitamin C supplement the peel has numerous benefits. Organic oranges are ideal as oranges do get sprayed and retain a high amount of pesticides. However Organic oranges are hard to come by in Hong Kong so I first soak my peels in a kombucha and water solution to help remove the waxes and chemical residues.
The Limonene and flavonoids found in orange peel (also grapefruit, lemons and limes) have been seen to have some anti-carcinogenic properties. Especially in Breast and colon cancer cases. The limonene oils may inhibit cancer cell growth. Studies have shown that limonin and limonene can start the enzyme activity an important detoxifying enzyme called of glutathione S-transferase. This helps as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which blocks the need of the cell to mutate to protect itself. The citric acid in the peel also plays a key role in this.
Orange peels are a natural source of pectin, a natural fiber which may decrease the rise in blood sugar after a meal. Thus being of some benefit to pre and type 2 diabetes. Pectin is also a pre-biotic- helpfully feeding and balancing our bacteria friends so necessary to the body (see Culture Your Life which is all about the benefits of bacteria).
This gives orange peel has antiseptic, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties by helping out the bacterial environment. D-limonene may also be helpful in dissolving kidney stones and beneficial in eliminating any kidney or urinary tract infections. Especially when the peels have been slightly fermented by the Kombucha in the soaking process. The Kombucha not only removes the chemical residues it may also begin the digestive process by increasing the bioavailability of the nutrients in the peel.
The natural properties in orange peel have also been seen to helpful in lowering cholesterol.
“In a May 2004 “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” article, Canadian researchers and the United States Department of Agriculture reported that isolated compounds from orange and tangerine peels showed promise as a natural alternative for reducing LDL cholesterol without the side effects of mainstream cholesterol drugs.” (source)
They may also help with heartburn. According to a 2007 Alternative Medicine Review article by Jidong Sun, Ph.D., Sun notes that an active ingredient found in the orange peel, d-limonene, possesses the ability to neutralize gastric acid and support normal peristalsis. (source)
This great powder is so easy to make and I add it to so many things!
Orange peel powder can be added to;
Homemade chocolate (and hot chocolate or chocolate milkshakes)
Homemade fudge
Drinks (it is nice in fizzy water but also in Gin and Tonic!)
Baked Goods like Shortbread, Coconut Cookies, Carrot Cake
Salad Dressings
Jams and Spreads (especially chocolate spreads)
Sprinkled on ice-cream
Homemade Cosmetics (like scrubs and body butters)
Granola, Muesli, Chia porridge or Bircher Chia
Kefir,
Kombucha
Teas and coffee
Stock
Smoothies
Homemade Cleaners
- Orange peel
- Kombucha/apple cider vinegar
- water
- Soak your orange, mandarin, tangerine or other citrus peel in a solution of water and Kombucha (use about 1 tbs kt to 500mls water)
- Use a dehydrator (at 100F) or oven at the lowest setting and dry your peel until it is hard and completely dry.
- When your peel is completely dry put in a high speed blender and blitz until powder.
- Add to fizzy water and drink otherwise it can be added to; chocolate, drinks, baked good, use it to flavour Kefir, kombucha or add it to teas, stocks and smoothies! Why not use in your homemade cosmetics!
- so easy- give it a go- you were only going to throw the peel away anyway!
- Another good way to use the peel is to add it to bath water
Here are my recipes to use it;
References:
D-Limonene: Safety and Clinical Applications
Health Properties of Orange Peel | LIVESTRONG.COM
Functional Foods: Biochemical and Processing Aspects – Google Books (Pg 160)
