Don't Toss Those Orange Peels! Genius Uses for the Zesty Kitchen Scrap

Published on May 31, 2025

Just like lemons and limes, oranges are a versatile citrus fruit that add bright, refreshing flavor to everything from savory dishes to desserts to cocktails. But whether you plan to juice them, bake with them, or just eat them on their own, not all recipes call for using the peels or zest of the orange. Instead of composting them or just throwing them away, put those orange peels to good use. Here, the Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen shares a few ideas for cooking, baking, making drinks, and cleaning with orange peels.

How to Cook, Bake, and Make Drinks with Orange Peels

If you’re not saving your orange peels, you’re missing out on one of the best parts of the fruit. Sarah Brekke, M.S., former Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen brand manager, says you can actually get quite a bit of flavor out of just the peels. “Orange peels are loaded with essential oils that are both bright and fragrant!” she says. “Using the outer zest will impart all of this lovely flavor and aroma without the bitter notes from the pith.”

Like most other fruits, you should wash oranges well before cutting them into slices or wedges or removing the peels. When peeling oranges, Brekke advises taking the time to carefully trim away the white pith with a paring knife or peeler, as it’s quite bitter.

Then, try one of our Test Kitchen’s favorite ideas for cooking, baking, and making drinks with orange peels:

• Make candied orange peel strips to garnish desserts.
• Infuse syrups, alcohols, oils, and vinegars.
• Garnish cocktails, such as a Negroni or Old Fashioned.
• Make a twist on limoncello.
• Combine with a small amount of honey to infuse and flavor tea.

How to Clean with Orange Peels

You might already be familiar with some ways to clean the house with lemons, which have natural bleaching, degreasing, and antibacterial properties. But what about oranges? Outside of the kitchen, there are plenty of other ways to use orange peels around the house as a natural cleaner.

Brekke recommends incorporating orange peels into your green cleaning routine with these ideas:

• Make homemade cleaning spray by combining orange peels and white vinegar. Let the mixture stand in a jar for a couple of weeks before using.
• Place a few pieces of orange peel into the garbage disposal to clean and deodorize.
• Place a few pieces of orange peel in a bowl of water and microwave until boiling to steam clean the interior of the appliance.
• Add orange peels to your compost bin to boost nitrogen and balance pH.
• Fragrance your home with a simmer pot using orange peels and various whole spices.