To dry orange peels, there are several methods you can use, including oven drying, air drying, and dehydrating. Here are the steps for oven drying:
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use a vegetable peeler to peel the oranges into long, thin strips, rotating the orange as you go.
- Slice the strips into thin pieces.
- Arrange the pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the peels curl and harden slightly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Dried orange peels can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- Adding to tea blends
- Using in spice blends and rubs
- Adding to baked goods
- Using as a garnish in cocktails
- Adding to rice or roasted vegetable dishes
- Infusing into vodka or gin for an infused liquor
Dried orange peels are also rich in fiber, vitamins, and disease-fighting polyphenols.