Citrus fruits among the healthiest foods. According to a document prepared for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, citrus contains a lengthy list of vitamin and minerals.
Vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, folate, potassium, and calcium are just a few of the many nutrients found in citrus.
These nutrients make the fruit effective at preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer, anaemia, and cataracts. The fruit also impacts bone density and cognitive function. Many of the nutrients in citrus are found in the fruit’s peel. Here are 10 genius ways to re-use citrus peels and get the maximum benefit of citrus.
1. Air freshener.
- The Frugal Girl has a recipe for air freshener that is deliciously warm.
- Toss citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves in a pot.
- Cover with water and bring to a low simmer.
- Turn the stove to a low temperature and let the simmering fragrance fill your home.
2. Zest.
- You may be surprised to learn the zest from a citrus peel is more nutrient dense than the inside of the fruit.
- Follow the advice of Best Health Magazine Canada and stir lemon or lime zest into yogurt or blend it in a smoothie.
- You can also add fresh zest to baked good likes muffins and pies.
3. Candied peels.
- Step up your pastry game with candied peel garnishes.
- TheKitchn has an easy recipe that only requires lemons, salt, sugar, and water.
- When refrigerated, the candied peels will last for several weeks.
4. Tea.
- Dry peels and add them to a homemade tea mix, as recommended by TheKitchn.
- To dry them, simply leave them out on on a plate or drying rack.
- After a few days they should be nice and crisp.
- If you’re in a rush, toast them in the oven at 200°F until dry.
5. Fireplace kindling.
- Make a fragrant fire by adding dried citrus peels to fire kindling, as suggested by TheKitchn.
6. Exfoliate.
- This luxurious exfoliating scrub will give you glowing skin.
- Experts Column suggests mixing equal parts lemon peel powder and sea salt with rose water.
- Gently rub the scrub all over the body to remove dead skin cells and detox the skin.
- For best results, use twice weekly.
7. Skin Bleaching.
- Lighten skin with a mask made from dried lemon rind powder and milk.
- Allow citrus peels to dry in the sun and then crush them to make a fine powder.
- Mix with milk and apply the mask to your face. Relax for 30 minutes and then rinse with cold water.
- Experts Column says this home remedy works because the citrus acid functions as a bleaching agent.
8. Acne scars.
- Take care of acne scars with this easy DIY face mask.
- Gently massage a mixture made from lemon peel powder and coconut oil onto the face.
- Relax for a minimum of 1 hour.
- Experts Column says if you leave the mask on overnight and repeat daily, your acne scars may disappear.
9. Teeth whitener.
- Experts Column says rubbing a lemon rind on your teeth will whiten them.
10. Wrinkles.
- The anti-oxidants and pectin in lemon peels make citrus a fantastic fighter against aging.
- Experts Column recommends mixing lemon peel powder with papaya juice and allowing the mask to soak into the skin for 30 minutes.
- Wash with cold water and follow-up with a moisturizer.