Orange Peel

Orange Peel: Cut pieces of dried sweet orange peel, naturally dried to lock in the bright zest and fragrance of fresh oranges without moisture loss. It is a kitchen and tea-cupboard staple: a citrus note for herbal blends, a zesty addition to spice rubs and baked goods, and a seasoning for sweet and savory dishes. Offered in 4oz, 1LB and 10lb sizes.

The herb: The sweet orange, Citrus sinensis, is a small evergreen tree in the Rutaceae family, first cultivated in southern China and carried west to the Mediterranean. Dried peel, called chen pi when aged, has been a kitchen and herbal ingredient in Chinese practice for centuries. The peel carries a volatile oil that is mostly d-limonene, the flavonoids hesperidin and naringin, and a good amount of pectin and fiber.

What's in it: Dried orange peel only. Limonene supplies the unmistakable fresh-orange aroma, the flavonoids give the peel its slightly bitter edge, and the pectin adds body to a long steep. There is no caffeine.

Dosage, first time: For tea, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of peel per 8 oz of hot water and steep 5 to 10 minutes; a short simmer pulls even more flavor from the peel. In the kitchen, a teaspoon in a spice rub or a tablespoon in a quick bread is a good start.

Regular use: Orange peel is a food, so use it as freely as you would fresh zest. Add a pinch to green or black tea, a spoonful to mulled cider, or grind it with salt and pepper for a citrus seasoning. It brightens heavier herbs without taking over.

What to expect: A cheerful, uplifting citrus cup or an easy way to add zest to a dish. It is a flavor herb, not an active one: no lift, no sedation, nothing to wait for. It plays well in floral blends with our Whole Rose Buds.

Side effects: Dried orange peel is generally as safe as the fruit. A large amount can feel acidic or bitter on the stomach, and people with citrus sensitivity should go carefully. Use less and the effect resolves.

Interactions and cautions: Sweet orange peel is not known for the medication interactions grapefruit has, but if your medication carries a citrus warning, check with your prescriber. Consult a healthcare professional before regular use if you are pregnant, nursing or on medication.

Ingredients and storage: Dried Orange Peel (Citrus sinensis). Keep sealed in a cool, dry, dark cupboard; the peel holds its aroma for about a year.

Common questions: How do you make tea with dried orange peel? Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons per 8 oz of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, or simmer briefly for a stronger cup. Can this dried orange peel be used in baking? Yes, it goes straight into breads, cookies and spice blends, or grind it first for finer texture. Is dried orange peel bitter? A little at the finish, which is exactly what makes it useful against sweet or heavy flavors.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Orange peel is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.