How many orange peels have you thrown away throughout your life? On average to make the perfect juice with Citring One, you use three... Imagine! In this article we are going to see 3 ways to reuse orange peel, since it contains endless properties and benefits that you can take advantage of in your daily life, to make your life a little more sustainable.
Aromatic infusions
One of the easiest ways to reuse orange peels is by infusing them. They will add a delicious citrus touch to your infusions and teas.
To do this, you only need to remove the white part inside the orange peel well, to prevent it from giving the infusion a bitter taste. Next, cut the peels into thin strips, so they dry faster. To dry them in a sustainable and ecological way, you can do it in the sun, placing the shells on a tray without overlapping, using a cloth or rack so that they do not blow away with the air. Place the tray in a sunny, dry location and allow to dry for 1 to 3 days. You can check the shells and turn them if necessary.
When the peels are completely dry and hard, they are ready to use in infusions. You can keep them in an airtight glass jar, so they don't get damp.
To prepare your infusions, it is as simple as taking a couple or three pieces of peel and adding them to your cup. Pour hot water, without boiling, and let it infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. You can combine orange peels with Ceylon cinnamon, turmeric or ginger, which will add an anti-inflammatory touch to your infusion.
Eco-friendly cleaning products for your home
Another way to reuse orange peels is to make a cleaner for your home. It is as simple as placing them in a glass jar with a lid and filling the container with cleaning vinegar until the peels are completely covered. Let this mixture rest for a couple of weeks and then strain it. You will have your ecological cleaner that will also leave a pleasant smell throughout the house.
On this occasion, it is preferable to use the fresh peels to enhance the release of essential oils, specifically limonene, which is the compound responsible for its degreasing and stain-removing cleaning properties.
Natural fertilizer for plants
Another of the great uses of orange peels is to act as fertilizer for your plants, thanks to their content of micronutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. You can crush them and add them to the soil of your plants or in the garden. The decomposition of orange peels releases key nutrients for plant growth. In addition, its limonene content will help prevent pests. It is important to use them in moderation so as not to alter the pH of the soil too much. However, using them as fertilizer is, without a doubt, an ecological and sustainable option for the care of your plants and the planet.