Orange peel, also known as zest (the orange portion, not the white pith), is rich in bioflavonoids and antioxidants, which are healthy for you. However, we typically discard it.
Here are some reasons not to.
ORANGE PEEL: THE INFORMATION
Science has just recently begun to explore the potential of citrus fruits, particularly orange oranges, despite the fact that many civilizations have long employed them in traditional medicine and gastronomy. What we do know is this.
You can get 14% of your daily vitamin C needs from only 1 tablespoon of orange zest, which is about 3 times more than you would from the same quantity of fruit. The peel also contains 4 times more fiber than the flesh.
Provitamin A, folate, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B6, calcium, and the polyphenols polymethoxyflavones and hesperidin, which have demonstrated encouraging health benefits in studies, are also present in the peel.
Orange peels contain orange essential oils, such as limonene, a chemical currently being investigated for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
Yet, managing orange “waste” presents challenges in many regions of the world where oranges are grown.
Using leftover orange peel to print snacks
In September 2022, a study conducted by researchers in Singapore examined an innovative approach to use this abundant, yet extremely underutilized resource.
According to the study, orange peel waste, or OPW, is “a rich source of vitamins and nutrients.” That’s why getting rid of this kind of waste is challenging. According to the research, OPW is generated in numerous locations throughout the world in millions of tons. Methane gas is produced by organic waste in landfills.
But why even get rid of it?
The scientists merged the most recent developments in food production-enabling 3D printing technology. They employed a variety of cutting-edge methods, including direct ink writing, to try and turn the orange waste into nutrient-dense treats.
This development has a lot of intriguing possibilities. The study “provided an example of a feasible method to upcycle food waste into high value food products,” according to the paper. They draw attention to the possibility that it could deal with food sustainability.
PERSONAL FLAVOR IMPROVER
Zest from oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits is a great way to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your meals. Zest from an orange is a tasty complement to:
Salads and their dressings; Yogurt and oatmeal; almost anything baked; Marinades and rubs for seasonings; and much more.
Using your imagination will help you maximize the use of oranges and other citrus fruits while cutting down on waste.
