Winter is the season for citrus and while citrus is not at all local to me here in Montana, we do eat some now and then. As in everything we do here at our homestead, we try to have as little waste as possible. Using citrus peels gives us ample opportunity to get creative with what would otherwise be considered waste.

Compost Citrus Peels
Citrus peels can be composted but they can take a very long time to break down in the piles. Citrus peels should not be put in vermicomposting bins, as the citrus as it tends to be too acidic for the red wiggler worms. When composting it in a traditional pile, make sure to cut them into smaller pieces to help it break down faster.
Dehydrate Citrus Peels
Dry those peels. Lay them out on dehydrator trays and dry at 125 degrees until crisp. Alternatively string the peels with a needle and thread and hang somewhere warm and dry (near the wood stove, for example) until they’re crispy dry. Careful with this method as they could mold before drying if the air is humid or cool. It’s worth trying however.

Once dried, those peels have a multitude of uses:
Dried citrus peels are a flavorful addition to hot tea.
Run the dried peels through a blender or food processor and turn it into a powder. That powder can then be added to baking soda and borax for a homemade scouring cleaner.
Add coarsely ground peels to homemade body sugar & salt scrubs for a little extra exfoliating power.
Make a homemade Vitamin C supplement by mixing dried powder with other herbs for a natural solution.

Rather than running the dehydrator every day – keep peels stored in a container in the refrigerator. Once a week, put all the collected peels in the dehydrator and run until dry. The great thing about grinding it all into a powder is that it’s easy to store in a compact place.
Infuse Citrus Peels
Put those peels in a jar with some vinegar and let it sit for a few weeks. After straining use that citrus vinegar for all your household cleaning needs.
Mix the zest with salt or sugar for a delightful citrus flavor for all your savory and sweet cooking needs. Lemon salt is especially good on chicken or fish. Orange sugar is delightful in cookies, even hot chocolate.

Cover the zest with vodka and let it steep. After a few weeks, a citrus flavored extract is born. That extract is perfect for use in cookies, cakes, and other baked goods. It’s even delicious mixed with a little sugar syrup as an adult cordial.
Remember, most any citrus peel can be substituted for another, so don’t be shy in making tangerine salt or grapefruit extract, simply substitute equal amounts of zest or rind in any recipe calling for citrus peel.
As this winter season moves by us, be sure to save and use every bit of that expensive, organic citrus for use in the home. Use those peels for cleaning, body products, food and much more that will last long beyond this winter season. What’s your favorite way to use citrus peels?
Amy
Sunday 18th of October 2020
Is it possible to dehydrate the citrus peels after being soaked in vinegar to use as fire starters?
Kathie Lapcevic
Tuesday 20th of October 2020
I imagine so though I haven't tried.
Ma’ngai
Tuesday 18th of August 2020
In southern part of India, we mix the orange peels with rose petals and turmeric powder to Mungbean In blender - make it powdered and use as bath powder. It reduces Facial and body hair growth Leaving the skin hydrated.
Lisa
Friday 28th of February 2020
Thank you for sharing all your ideas on citrus peels. I have never tried any of these, but I will now. I am trying to be more conscious of what I am disposing of. These tips will be a great help!
Ashley
Friday 14th of February 2020
If you've got rinds left over from juicing (like with some flesh attached), you can chop them a little, cover with an equal weight of sugar, stir occasionally, and after 12-24 hours you can strain it for a fabulous syrup! It would be great on ice cream, cheesecake, a spoon...
Jean Carey
Monday 20th of January 2020
I have kept & used my citrus rinds for years. Always refreshing. This winter I tried keeping the thin mandarin orange peels for hot teas & find it also works well with my cold water bottles. I remove the pith from oranges since it gets bitter when reused. Thank you for the tips.
Carol
Sunday 3rd of January 2021
@Jean Carey Pith from satsumas is not bitter, one of the few citrus. We use the peel to make orangello, similar to limoncello. So easy since you use the entire skin.