Homemade orange peel powder is a versatile, natural ingredient that can be used in various applications. As you will see in this guide on how to make orange peel powder at home, the process is super simple.
The best part? It won’t cost you a cent. All you need are orange peels and some basic equipment that you probably have in your kitchen.
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Powdered orange peel is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making it an excellent addition to your skincare routine.
It also lends a wonderful citrusy scent to homemade bath bombs, soaps, body lotions, face masks, candles, and more. Check out these 40 creative ideas for how to use orange peel powder after you’ve made it.
Table of Contents
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What You Need To Make Orange Peel Powder
– Fresh oranges – preferably organic – Vegetable peeler or knife – Baking sheet or dehydrator – Blender or coffee grinder – Airtight container or jar for storage
Step By Step Instructions For Making Orange Peel Powder At Home
Step 1: Choose fresh, organic oranges for the best results. Organic oranges are free from pesticides and chemicals, ensuring a healthier and more natural powder. Use more oranges if you want to make a large quantity of powder or less if you want to make a smaller quantity.
Step 2: Rinse the oranges thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities present on the surface. Wipe dry to remove the excess moisture.
Step 3: Peel the oranges, cutting the peel into segments to speed up the drying process and ensure even drying. You can cut them into thin strips or small squares, whichever is convenient for you.
Step 4: Dehydrate the orange peels. There are 3 different methods you can use to dehydrate orange peels: using an oven, using a dehydrator or sun-drying the peels.
Scroll down for more details on how to dehydrate orange peels using each of the three methods.
Step 5: When the orange peels are hard enough, break them into smaller pieces and put them into your herb grinder until they get crushed into small, coarse pieces.
Step 6: Spread the crushed pieces back onto the dehydrator or oven tray and dehydrate again until they are completely dry. This additional dehydration step will extract all the water from the peels so the powder lasts longer.
Even a small amount of moisture in the peels will cause the finished product to get moldy and spoil prematurely.
Step 7: Put the coarsely ground, dried orange peels into the grinder again and run it until the coarse pieces turn into a powder.
Step 8: Put the dried orange peels into a blender or a coffee grinder and grind them into a fine powder. Ensure that the powder is smooth and free of any lumps or large, coarse pieces.
Step 9: For an even finer texture, you may choose to sieve the powder through a fine mesh strainer or a sieve. This step is optional and will help remove any larger particles and give you a smoother final product.
Step 10: Transfer the freshly made powder into an airtight container or jar. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored, the powder can last for several months.
That’s it! You’ve learnt how to make orange peel powder at home and yes, it’s that easy.
How To Dehydrate Orange Peels To Make Powder: 3 Ways
Use An Oven
Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting (around 150°F or 65°C).
Place the orange peels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are evenly spread out.
Put the baking sheet in the oven and keep the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
Let the orange peels dry in the oven for approximately 2-3 hours or until they become brittle. Check the peels regularly to prevent burning.
Once dry, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the peels cool completely.
Use A Dehydrator
Arrange the orange peels on the dehydrator tray, making sure they are evenly spaced out.
Set the dehydrator to a low temperature, usually around 95°F to 115°F (35°C to 45°C), for 30 minutes at a time until they turn crisp and brittle. This could take a couple of hours.
Once dry, turn off the dehydrator and let the peels cool down.
Air/Sun Drying Method
Cut the peels into thin, small pieces. Place the pieces in one layer on a tray lined with baking paper.
Keep the tray in a sunny area of the room. The more sunshine the orange pieces get, the faster they will dry.
Air/sun drying orange peels takes the longest time but it’s a great alternative if you don’t have or don’t want to use your oven or dehydrator for this purpose.
Helpful Tips On Making Orange Peel Powder At Home
– If you intend to use the powder for culinary uses, it’s advisable to use a potato peeler and peel off only the outermost part. The pith that lies just under the skin can lend a bitter taste to your dishes.
– It’s okay to use the pith when making orange peel powder for skin and hair care. The pith will not affect the properties or benefits of the powder in any way. However, it will take longer to dry the pith completely. Discard the pith if you’re in a hurry to use your finished product.
– Store your homemade orange peel powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to preserve its freshness and potency.
Homemade Orange Peel Powder Benefits For Skin
Rich in Vitamin C
Orange peels are abundant in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps in the production of collagen, promoting youthful and glowing skin. It also helps fight free radicals, reducing skin damage, and boosting overall skin health.
Natural Skin Cleanser
Orange peel powder works as an excellent natural cleanser, removing dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin. It helps in unclogging pores, preventing blackheads, and leaving the skin refreshed and revitalized.
Lightens Skin Naturally
The natural bleaching properties of this simple, natural powder can help lighten dark spots, blemishes, and pigmentation. Regular use of the powder can result in a more even skin tone and a brighter complexion.
Controls Excess Oil
Peels of all citrus fruit possess astringent properties that can effectively control excess oil production on the skin. Using orange peel powder for face helps in minimizing pores and reducing shine, making it ideal for individuals with oily or combination skin types.
Effective Acne Treatment
Its antimicrobial properties help fight acne-causing bacteria, reducing the occurrence of breakouts. Additionally, its natural exfoliating properties unclog pores and remove dead skin cells, preventing further acne formation.
Rejuvenates Skin
The slightly abrasive texture of powdered orange peel makes it an excellent natural exfoliant, gently removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. This process rejuvenates the skin, leaving it smooth, soft, and revitalized.
Anti-Aging Effects
The antioxidants present in the powdered peel help combat the signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Regular use can improve skin elasticity, promote collagen production, and reduce the appearance of age-related skin damage.
Heals Skin Naturally
The natural compounds found in orange peel powder, such as limonene, have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It can help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote faster healing of minor skin irritations.
Remember, before using orange peel powder or any new ingredient on your skin, it is recommended to perform a patch test to check for any allergic reactions or skin sensitivities.
Orange Peel Powder Benefits For Hair
Powdered orange peel is not only beneficial for the skin but also for hair health. It helps reduce dandruff, strengthens hair follicles, and adds natural shine and luster to the hair. It can be used in homemade hair masks or added to shampoo for improved hair and scalp health.
Orange Peel Powder Benefits For Home
The fresh, citrusy scent of orange peel powder, makes this an excellent accessory for scenting the home. There are several ways you can use it to make your home smell good.
Now that you’ve learned how to make orange peel powder at home and discovered its many benefits for skin, hair, and home, the next step is to incorporate it into your various DIY projects for skin, hair, and home.
Prefer to skip this initial step and go straight to using the powder in your DIY projects? You can buy good quality organic orange peel powder and organic peel granules at Starwest Botanicals at reasonable prices.
Add Homemade Orange Peel Powder To These DIY Skin & Bath Care Products
Medical Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. For health concerns, consult a licensed healthcare professional. Read the full medical disclaimer.
