The mandarin season leaves behind heaps of peels. But don't rush to throw away the fragrant rinds: they will be useful both in the kitchen and in everyday life. We found at least 11 reasons to keep them at home.
The Kettle Will Become Clean
This method works for any kettle — both electric and regular. Place the peels of several fruits inside, fill with water, bring to a boil, and let it sit for an hour — the limescale will easily come off the walls. Then boil clean water twice to remove the citrus taste. If the limescale is thick, leave the peels in the kettle overnight.
The Tea Will Acquire Citrus Notes
Dry the peels on a radiator. Place a tablespoon of black tea and pieces of zest in a teapot. Pour boiling water and steep for five minutes.
For a richer flavor, add a few slices of fresh mandarin along with the zest. A sprig of rosemary, a cinnamon stick, or a piece of ginger will make the tea even more aromatic.
The peel contains much more vitamin C than the pulp. Additionally, the zest contains valuable antioxidants tangeretin and nobiletin, which fight free radicals and protect blood vessels, as well as the carotenoid beta-cryptoxanthin, which regulates lipid metabolism and strengthens the nervous system.
The Kitchen Will Shine
Citrus fruits contain D-limonene — a substance that breaks down greasy stains. Fill a jar with two handfuls of peels and cover them with vinegar. Close the lid and place it in a dark place for two weeks. Shake periodically to accelerate the extraction of essential oils.
Filter the finished liquid, dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio, and transfer it to a spray bottle.
This solution tackles grease on the stove, dissolves soap scum on tiles, and cleans the oven. It leaves no streaks on glass and mirrors.
Unpleasant Odors in the House Will Disappear
Throw a few fresh peels at the bottom of the trash can before inserting the bag. Citrus peels not only mask the odors of waste but also partially slow down the reproduction of bacteria due to the antiseptic properties of limonene.
The same principle works with shoes: place dried peels in sneakers overnight — and by morning the unpleasant smell will be gone.
For the refrigerator: place fresh lemon or orange peels on the shelves. They will absorb excess moisture and prevent odors from mixing. Change them once a week.
The Fire in the Fireplace Will Ignite Faster
Citrus peels contain essential oils that easily ignite from fire. Dry the peels on a radiator or in the oven at 50 °C, and place them under the firewood along with kindling before lighting.
When camping, dried peels are more convenient than dry alcohol tablets: they are lighter, take up less space, and do not release harmful substances.
Houseplants Will Thrive
A citrus peel infusion is suitable for houseplants that love acidic soil (azaleas, gardenias, violets). Citric acid gently lowers the soil pH without burning the roots. The peels also contain potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen.
Pour one liter of boiling water over the peels of two or three citrus fruits, let it steep for a day, and strain. Dilute with water in a 1:3 ratio and water the plants every two weeks. In spring and summer, use it to feed garden hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and blueberries.
The Cat Will Leave the Flowers Alone
Spread fresh peels on the soil surface or rub the edges of pots with zest. Usually, three days is enough for the animal to remember: this flower should not be touched.
The method will also work in the garden if neighboring cats use the beds as a toilet. Scatter peels around the perimeter of the area and refresh every four days.
A Supply of Zest Will Speed Up Cooking
Grate the zest, distribute it in ice cube trays, fill with water or olive oil, and freeze. One cube is approximately a teaspoon of zest, a standard portion for recipes.
Throw the water cubes into tea, lemonade, cocktails, and the oil cubes into hot dishes (risotto, pasta, fish sauces). Zest preparations can be stored in the freezer for up to six months without losing their properties.
Dishes Will Acquire Additional Aroma
Use a vegetable peeler to remove the zest, avoiding the white layer (which is bitter). Dry, grind in a coffee grinder, and store in a glass jar.
Lemon zest is suitable for fish and chicken, added to tea and dough. Use orange and mandarin zest for meat marinades, glazes, and hot chocolate. Lime zest pairs well with seafood and Asian soups.
Hair Will Regain Natural Shine
Pour a handful of peels with one liter of boiling water, let it steep for three hours, and strain. Rinse your hair with the infusion after regular shampooing. The result is noticeable immediately: hair shines, is easier to comb, and is less frizzy.
Lemon infusion is suitable for light hair, neutralizing yellowness. Orange and mandarin are for dark hair, enhancing color depth. Grapefruit is for oily hair, normalizing the work of sebaceous glands. Store the prepared infusion in the refrigerator for no more than a week.
Pigment Spots Will Fade, and Skin Will Become More Elastic
Finely chop the peels of two or three oranges or mandarins, and pour with a glass of olive or almond oil. Heat in a water bath for one hour at 60 °C. Strain and transfer to a dark glass bottle. The shelf life in the refrigerator is three months.
Lemon oil helps lighten pigment spots. Apply the product with a cotton swab once a day — the effect will be noticeable in a couple of weeks. Use orange and mandarin oil for massaging dry skin on elbows and heels.
After applying to the skin, do not go out in the sun for at least 12 hours.
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