Oranges, with their vibrant colors and sweet and sour flavor, are a delicious fruit that’s especially popular in fall and winter. This is currently the season when they’re most readily available at the market. However, I think many of my friends and family are almost sick of eating them. What they don’t know is that the orange peels we usually throw away have many uses. I was surprised to learn this myself and realized how much zest I’d wasted. That’s why I decided to share these tips with you as soon as possible.
Step 1: Preparing the orange peels
Start by peeling the orange and placing the peels in a large bowl. Add water, as we all know that fruits and vegetables are often treated with pesticides. A simple rinse with water is not enough to remove these residues. Then add a tablespoon of salt and stir to dissolve it. Let the peels soak for about 10 minutes. While salt helps remove pesticides, it’s important to note that prolonged soaking can cause the pesticides to be reabsorbed through the skin. After 10 minutes, wash each peel thoroughly to remove any dirt. Salt also has the benefit of reducing the bitterness of the skin.
Step 2: Drying the orange peels
Once washed, place the peels face down to drain quickly. Then, cut them into thin strips with a knife. These peels can be used to make dried orange zest, which has high medicinal value. In traditional Eastern medicine, only orange peels more than three years old are considered “mandarin peel,” and the older they are, the more valuable they are. However, for everyday use, well-dried fresh peels are sufficient.
Step 3: Preparing the ginger
Preferably choose old ginger for this preparation. Slice it into thin slices. There are different types of ginger, some spicier than others. Choose the one that suits your taste. Once sliced, set it aside.
Step 4: Roasting the bark and ginger
Place a saucepan over high heat and add the orange peels. Stir frequently to prevent them from becoming bitter. This process takes about 10 to 11 minutes. Once the water content of the peels has reduced, add the chopped ginger and continue to stir-fry over medium heat. The ginger should be added after the peels as it contains less water and could burn otherwise. Fry until the peels and ginger are almost dry.
Step 5: Conservation
Once roasted, allow the peel and ginger to cool before placing them in a sealed jar. Make sure the jar is free of water and oil for better preservation. You can also steam sterilize the jar to extend its shelf life. This mixture can be stored for up to six months.
Step 6: Preparing the drink
To make a comforting drink, take a small amount of the peel and ginger mixture, add a tablespoon of brown sugar (or more, depending on your taste), and pour boiling water over it. Stir well until the drink is hot and ready to drink. This drink is ideal for winter, as it warms the body and helps prevent colds. The orange peels have cough suppressant and expectorant properties, while the ginger and brown sugar warm the body.
Conclusion
This orange peel and ginger drink is not only delicious but also beneficial for your health. It’s suitable for the whole family, including children, thanks to its mild and pleasant taste. If you enjoy this recipe, please share it with your loved ones and subscribe to my channel for more culinary and wellness tips.
