24 Smart Ways to Use Oranges and Peels: Zero Waste from Bulk Buys

Like many of us who buy in bulk to save money, I've teamed up with neighbors to order fresh organic oranges straight from the farm. They're delicious and affordable, but a 20 kg box means one question: what to do with all of them?

Contents

• 1. As a low-calorie snack
• 2. To season your dishes
• 3. As a body scrub
• 4. As herbal tea
• 5. To make zest ice cubes
• 6. In old-fashioned marmalade
• 7. To make powdered orange peel
• 8. In orange flavored vinegar
• 9. To deodorize the garbage disposal
• 10. To make orange curd
• 11. As a sink cleaner
• 12. To perfume the house
• 13. As a face mask
• 14. To prevent brown sugar from hardening
• 15. As a fire starter
• 16. In flavored oil
• 17. In flavored sugar
• 18. In citrus powder
• 19. As a repellent against cats
• 20. For compost
• 21. As an air freshener for the trash can
• 22. In candied oranges
• 23. In orange honey
• 24. In orange oil extract

Start by washing only what you'll use soon. Fill your sink with lukewarm water and a splash of white vinegar, soak for a few minutes, then rinse. Store the rest in the box in a cool spot.

Here are 24 proven uses for oranges and peels, drawn from years of kitchen experiments and home hacks. No more waste!

1. As a low-calorie snack

Oranges make a healthy, energizing snack at just 45-90 calories each, depending on size. Fresh juice is a treat too.

2. To season your dishes

Yes, you can freeze oranges. For recipes, freeze wedges or zest from extras. Grate frozen zest over salads, ice cream, soups, cereals, smoothies, noodles, rice, sushi, or fish. It adds fresh zing—works with lemons and limes too.

3. As a body scrub

Whip up an orange salt scrub: mix 200g Epsom salt, 200g sea salt, 3 tbsp zest, and 150ml olive or coconut oil. Store in a glass jar; add food coloring if desired. Massage onto skin, rinse—leaves you soft, impurity-free, and citrus-scented.

4. As herbal tea

Orange peels soothe stomach cramps or boost appetite. Steep in hot water for a calming infusion.

5. To make zest ice cubes

Grate zest into ice cube trays, top with water, freeze. Pop into water pitchers for naturally flavored drinks—perfect for using up older oranges.

6. In old-fashioned marmalade

Homemade marmalade is simple and gift-worthy. Use 2kg oranges, 2 lemons, 1kg sugar. Wash citrus, simmer 25 minutes to soften, mill into puree, cook with sugar. Jar variations: add spices, whiskey, or mix in clementines.

7. To make powdered orange peel

Bake grated zest on a sheet at 170°C for 4 hours until crisp. Grind into powder, store in fridge jar (lasts 1+ year). Sprinkle on cakes or savory dishes for bold flavor.

8. In orange flavored vinegar

Mask vinegar's odor by infusing peels for days. Natural, effective cleaner that smells amazing.

9. To deodorize the garbage disposal

Keep pickled peels in a jar; toss into disposal while running. Releases fresh citrus scent as it's ground.

10. To make orange curd

Orange curd rivals lemon—great on cakes, sorbets, pies. Easy with eggs; full recipe linked.

11. As a sink cleaner

Halve an orange, dip in salt, scrub sink. Rinse; recycle in disposal for tip 9.

12. To perfume the house

Poke holes in an orange, stuff with cloves. Simmer 1 hour until firm, cool, ribbon, hang. Perfect for rooms, baths, closets.

13. As a face mask

Mix powdered zest (tip 7) with water or milk into paste. Apply to face/body for glow.

14. To prevent brown sugar from hardening

Tuck a 5cm peel piece in sealed sugar bag. Moisture keeps it soft.

15. As a fire starter

Dried peels with kindling ignite campfires or BBQs effortlessly; add logs on top.

16. In flavored oil

Infuse zest, herbs, cranberries in olive oil bottle. Shake daily; weeks later, strain for salad/marinade gold. Gift-ready.

17. In flavored sugar

Bury peels in sugar jar; wait weeks for infusion. Citrus boost for baking.

18. In citrus powder

Dry peels/zest 3-4 days, grind. Store airtight; dust on desserts. Works for all citrus.

19. As a repellent against cats

Dry peels in pots/garden deter cats (lemons too).

20. For compost

Citrus composts fine—in moderation to avoid excess acidity.

21. As an air freshener for the trash can

Peel at bin bottom perfumes, repels bugs.

22. In candied oranges

Candied peels store forever; dip in chocolate. Easy yearly batch.

23. In orange honey

Infuse peels in honey for sore throat relief. Simmer gently; strain, store.

24. In orange oil extract

DIY extract: dry/grind peels, soak in vodka, heat/shake 2 weeks, evaporate alcohol. Dilute 5ml per liter water for cleaner (test surfaces). Flammable—handle carefully.