Have you ever peeled an orange for breakfast and noticed how fragrant the peels are? It seems like such a waste to throw them away, since they are still packed with not only vitamins but lots of juice and aroma. And while you might ponder for a moment about throwing them away, you may not know exactly what to do with them so they end up in the garbage after all. Well don’t toss those peels in the garbage again, because below you will find 7 creative ways to use orange peels. These ways will save you time, save you money, and are great ways for repurposing peels otherwise headed for the trash. Take a look below at how powerful orange peels really are!
7 Creative Ways to Use Orange Peels:
1. Make some zest.
You can zest the peels finely and put it in an airtight container. Freeze the zest for later or store it in your refrigerator. You can then add the zest to your favorite baking recipes for extra flavor and even color. Or, add a pinch to your ice water or ice tea for some extra pizzazz.
2. Candy them.
Dip the peels in water and then press them in sugar. Then, cut the peels into fine slices. This is an old fashion candy that still tastes great. You can even use the sugared peels as a garnish on cakes or cupcakes. So pretty!
3. Freshen up the garbage disposal.
Take the peels and drop them into your garbage disposal. Run the disposal for a few minutes and then hot water for another few minutes. Your kitchen will smell great and your disposal will be banished of yucky odor. You can even place a handful in your fridge for an extra fresh scent that is natural and chemical free.
4. Use as kindling.
Who would have guessed it? You can set orange peels out to dry, and then use them as fire kindling. Toss them in your fireplace or outside in your fire pit to get a fiery and fragrant fire going in no time flat.
5. Use as a seedling pot.
You can scoop the inside of an orange out and use it as a seedling pot. The next time you eat an orange, cut it in half and scoop it out. You can then plant directly into the “cup” shaped peel and when your seedling is big enough to transplant, plant the peel directly in the ground.
6. Banish misbehaving cats.
If you have an issue with cats using your front yard as their personal litter box, some scattered orange peels can do the trick. Place peels around your bushes and hedge row to keep cats from coming around and doing their business.
7. Keep bugs at bay.
Slugs as well as some spiders and ants hate the acidic taste and smell of oranges. Place peels around troublesome areas and watch the little critters disappear. They won’t want to come anywhere near them.
See how easy it is to use orange peels in ways that are creative and fun? Give these tips a try and see why you will never want to toss those orange peels in the garbage again!
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