Oranges, with their bright colors and sweet and sour taste, are a delicious fruit that is especially popular in autumn and winter. It is currently the season when they are most available in the markets. However, I think many of my friends and relatives are almost tired of eating them. But what they don’t know is that the orange peels that we usually throw away have many uses. I myself was surprised to learn this and realized how much joy of life I had wasted. That’s why I decided to share these tips with you as soon as possible.
Step 1: Prepare the orange peels
First, peel the orange and place the peels in a large bowl. Add water, as we all know that fruits and vegetables are often treated with pesticides. Simply rinsing with water is not enough to remove this residue. Then add a tablespoon of salt and stir to dissolve it. Let the peels soak for about 10 minutes. Although salt helps remove pesticides, it is important to note that prolonged soaking can cause pesticides to be reabsorbed through the skin. After 10 minutes, rinse each peel thoroughly to remove any dirt. Salt also has the benefit of reducing the bitterness of the skin.
Step 2: Drying the orange peels
After washing, lay the peels face down so that they can drain quickly. Then cut them into thin strips with a knife. These peels can be used to make dried orange peel, which has great medicinal value. In traditional oriental medicine, only orange peels that are older than three years are considered “tangerine peels,” and the older they are, the more valuable they are. However, for everyday use, fresh, well-dried peel is sufficient.
Step 3: Prepare the ginger
For this preparation, preferably choose old ginger. Cut it into thin slices. There are different types of ginger, some are spicier than others. Choose the one that suits your preferences. Once it is cut, set it aside.
Step 4: Roast the peels and ginger
Place a saucepan over high heat and add the orange peels, stirring frequently to prevent them from becoming bitter. This process takes about 10-11 minutes. Once the water content of the peels is reduced, add the chopped ginger and continue to sauté over medium heat. Ginger should be added after peeling as it contains less water and may burn otherwise. Sauté until the peels and ginger are almost dry.
Step 5: Preservation
After roasting, let the peels and ginger cool before placing them in a sealed jar. For better preservation, make sure the pot is free of water and oil. You can also steam sterilize the jar to extend its shelf life. This mix will keep for up to six months.
Step 6: Preparing the drink
To prepare a soothing drink, take a small amount of the ginger peel mixture, add a tablespoon of brown sugar (or more to taste) and pour in boiling water. Stir well until the drink is hot and ready to drink. This drink is ideal for winter as it warms the body and prevents colds. Orange peels have cough suppressant and expectorant properties, while ginger and brown sugar warm the body.
Diploma
This orange peel and ginger drink is not only delicious but also beneficial for your health. Its mild and pleasant taste makes it suitable for the whole family, including children. If you like this recipe, do not hesitate to share it with your loved ones and subscribe to my channel for more culinary and well-being tips.
