Orange peels: uses, features and best recipes. Orange peels - health benefits and harms Orange peels are beneficial

Surprisingly, many products that we usually throw in the trash can be useful in the household and even provide health benefits. This includes orange zest and grapefruit zest and zest of tangerines, kumquats and other citrus fruits. Such cleanings are used in cooking; they are actively used by traditional medicine specialists and even gardeners. Let's talk about what orange zest can give us, what it is, let's look at recipes made from orange zest, as well as what beneficial properties and contraindications it has.

What is orange zest?

Orange zest refers to the outermost layer of the peel, which has an attractive bright color. This product is a source of a lot of useful substances, including vitamins and essential oils. Remove the zest with a sharp knife or grate the scalded fruit with boiling water. In the everyday understanding, of course, the zest is generally the entire peel, which, as a rule, is thrown away when peeling the fruit. few people do now.

Orange zest - benefits and harms

Benefits of orange zest

The top layer of the peel of this fruit contains a lot of vitamin C, it contains, and - B1 and B2. The zest is also a source of essential oil, calcium and phosphorus. It contains quite a lot of pectic and citric acid, as well as natural antibacterial substances - phytoncides.

There is evidence that orange peel is a wonderful cure for atherosclerosis. This substance cleanses blood vessels from... This product improves your mood quite well, which is why it is recommended to use it for preparing many dishes.

Orange zest has a positive effect on metabolic processes in the body. Its consumption helps improve digestive processes and avoid heartburn. Consumption of such a product helps eliminate nausea and increase vigor.

Powder obtained from orange peel helps dissolve mucus in the respiratory tract. It can be used to treat cough and asthma.

Orange peel essential oils have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its consumption allows you to optimize the acidity of gastric juice and normalize the processes occurring in the intestines. Also, the use of this product helps relieve and cleanse the liver.

Eating orange peel helps fight obesity. This product is also quite good.

The aroma of orange zest has a good calming effect, helps to relax, eliminate insomnia, etc.

This product is widely used for skin care. It helps eliminate excessive activity of the sebaceous glands, get rid of acne and dead skin particles. Orange zest has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antifungal effect. It copes with rashes and promotes wound healing.

Is orange zest dangerous? Is it possible to cause harm?

Orange zest can cause allergic reactions. You should not get carried away with it if you suffer from excessive acidity of digestive juice, stomach or duodenal ulcers and intestinal disorders. Do not use this product in excessive quantities or at reduced pressure.

Recipes with orange zest

Pie with orange zest in a slow cooker

To prepare such a delicious dish you need to prepare four, a glass, one and a half glasses of flour, a couple of teaspoons of orange zest. In addition, you will need a couple of oranges, half a bag of baking powder (one teaspoon). You can use a couple to decorate the pie.

Mix all the ingredients together. Place them in the multicooker, greasing its bowl. Cover the container with a lid and set the baking mode for one hour and twenty minutes. Turn the pie out onto a plate and garnish with kiwi slices.

Homemade cookies with orange zest

To prepare simple homemade cookies, you need to prepare one hundred grams of cold cookies, one hundred and twenty-five grams of flour (and a little more for deboning), one yolk and zest removed from half.

Cut the butter into cubes, add the yolk with powdered sugar. Pour the grated zest into the container. Mix all ingredients with a fork until smooth. Sift the flour and mix with the prepared butter mixture. Knead an elastic dough, wrap it in cling film and put it in the freezer for five to seven minutes or in the refrigerator for half an hour.
Roll out the dough well into a three-centimeter layer. Cut out the cookies and place them on a baking sheet, lining it with parchment.
Place the cookies in the oven, preheated to one hundred and eighty degrees, for ten minutes.

How to make orange jam with zest?

To prepare such a dish, you need to prepare three medium oranges, one small one, half a liter of water and four hundred and fifty grams of sugar.

Prepare the oranges: wash them, cut off the thinner zest. Grind it into thin strips. Peel the oranges from the white skin, remove the white films so that only the pulp remains. Weigh the pulp and zest and place them in a saucepan.

Process the lemon in the same way: remove the zest and extract the lemon pulp. Weigh it.

Fill the prepared fruits with water, maintaining a 1:1 ratio. Leave it for a day.
Drain the water and place the citruses in a sieve. Pour an equal amount of sugar into them. Boil over low heat for fifteen to thirty minutes and cool.

Additional Information

Orange peel has many medicinal qualities and is widely used for therapeutic purposes.

Licorice zest and root for stomach ulcers. Thus, traditional medicine experts advise using this raw material to prepare a medicine for peptic ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract. For this purpose, you need to prepare six grams of orange zest and ten grams of licorice root. Brew this mixture with half a glass of water and place on low heat. Boil until the volume of the medicine is reduced by half. Cool the finished product, mix sixty grams of honey into it. Take the resulting mixture in three doses throughout the day. The duration of such treatment is one month.

Medicine for uterine bleeding. To stop uterine bleeding, traditional medicine experts advise taking the following decoction. Peel six to seven oranges, brew the resulting peel with one and a half liters of water and simmer until the volume of liquid is reduced by half. Sweeten the finished medicine and take four teaspoons three times a day.

Oranges for sore throat, stomatitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis. Simply chewing an orange peel also provides great health benefits. This procedure will help improve breathing, cure stomatitis, sore throat, pharyngitis, laryngitis, etc. This product helps stimulate appetite.

Stress-relieving baths. Baths with orange zest have a good tonic effect and help get rid of stress. To carry out this procedure at home, grind the dried zest from three oranges to a powder. Mix it with some olive oil and leave for an hour. Then pour the aromatic oil into the prepared bath.

Zest and licorice for heartburn. Traditional medicine experts advise using orange peel to treat heartburn. To achieve a therapeutic effect, you need to combine a teaspoon of such raw materials and mix it with a tablespoon of licorice roots. Brew this raw material with half a liter of water. Place the container with the product on the fire, evaporate the medicine to half, cool slightly and strain. Sweeten with honey and stir. Take in small quantities three times a day a quarter of an hour before meals. The duration of such therapy is one month.

Orange zest is a surprisingly healthy product. It can be used to prepare various delicious dishes and for the treatment of many pathological conditions.

Orange fruits are not only a delicious dessert; when consumed regularly, this fruit and its juice have a beneficial effect on the entire human body. The benefits of oranges are due to their chemical composition. The main and well-known advantage of the fruit is the presence of high doses of vitamin C. 100 g of the product contains up to 50 mg, which means that the daily need for this vital vitamin is covered by only 150 g of orange. The beneficial properties of the culture are further enhanced by provitamin A, or carotene, of which there is also a lot, up to 0.05 mg per 100 g. Their combination, as well as the presence of vitamin E, have a powerful antioxidant effect on the entire body, help increase immunity and vitality, and help healing wounds, both outside and inside the body.

At the same time, the role of fruits, like other citrus fruits, is especially important in the nutrition of residents of areas with temperate and cold climates, since they are the most important and accessible source of ascorbic acid in the winter-spring period, serve as an excellent means for preventing vitamin deficiencies, are tasty and healthy at the same time.

Other medicinal properties of oranges

The medicinal properties of oranges are not limited to the facts stated above. A large amount of potassium (180 mg) in combination with vitamins C, PP and other biologically active substances improves the condition of patients with hypertension, atherosclerosis, and other vascular diseases, metabolic diseases (gout) and liver. Fresh oranges contain a lot of pectins, which help improve intestinal motor function and eliminate constipation, and the B complex of vitamins found in the fruits, together with magnesium and calcium, play an important role in strengthening the nervous system. Fruits are also rich in important minerals such as iron and copper, which improve blood composition, which is why they are recommended for low hemoglobin.

Another important and well-known quality of the crop is the presence of phytoncides, which are found both in the juice and in the green leaves of the plant. The phytoncidal properties of the juice are manifested in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, due to which it significantly alleviates the condition of patients in febrile conditions. Orange leaves, like all citrus fruits, perfectly purify the air, and when grown in rooms, they saturate it with phytoncides, natural antibiotics that cause the death of most harmful microorganisms.

Let's take a special look at blood oranges. The vitamin C content in them is higher than in regular fruits, and even one fruit is enough to meet its daily requirement. In addition, eating these fruits has been scientifically proven to help with weight loss, and the presence of anthocyanins gives them anti-cancer properties.

Beneficial properties of orange peel

Orange peels also have medicinal qualities, the benefits of which are no less than those of the pulp. They also contain a lot of ascorbic acid and vitamin A, calcium, other vitamins and minerals, and are completely free of calories, sugar and sodium, which makes the product indispensable in the diet of overweight people. Orange peel is especially rich in fiber and pectin. The benefits of these substances are well known; they restore intestinal activity, prevent putrefactive processes in it, absorb and remove harmful substances from the body, and the flavonoids contained in fiber help reduce the level of bad cholesterol and improve the functioning of the heart muscle. The beneficial properties of orange peel are combined with the amazing, quite rare among fruit plants, ability not to accumulate nitrates and nitrides, which allows you to safely use it as food without special processing.

We also note that orange essential oil, widely used in medicine and cosmetology, is also obtained from orange peel. The benefit of such oil lies not only in the aseptic and disinfectant effect inherent in all citrus fruits. It has a strong sedative effect and is used in medicine to relieve symptoms of depression and nervous tension. The oil used in aromatherapy helps lower blood pressure, increases concentration, has a positive effect on the nervous system, and improves mood. As a good antiseptic, it is used externally to disinfect the oral cavity, and is indicated for throat diseases, bleeding gums and periodontal disease. Preparations with orange oil, intended for oral administration, help normalize carbohydrate-fat metabolism, stimulate bile formation and normalize intestinal function.

In cosmetology, orange oil is used to care for dry and aging skin, it nourishes and moisturizes it well, and has a pronounced regenerating effect. It is included in numerous creams, lotions, serves as the basis for various types of perfumes and colognes, and for all its advantages, it is cheap and accessible compared to other plant essential oils.

Benefits of orange flowers and seeds

Orange is an amazing plant in which fruits, flowers, and even seeds are useful. Valuable essential oil is extracted from flowers; teas and infusions from them calm the nervous system, improve stomach function, and flower extract is used in cosmetology as a moisturizer and soothing agent. The benefit of orange seeds is the high content of such important minerals as potassium, calcium and magnesium, so juice obtained not by pressing, but using a juicer, where the fruit is placed whole, is considered to be of higher quality. This juice contains all the biologically active substances that are rich in both the pulp and the seeds.

Harm of orange and contraindications for use

In conclusion, let us remind you that eating this type of citrus fruit can bring both benefits and harm. Oranges are one of the most common plant allergens, so those prone to allergic reactions should consume them with caution. In this case, it is better to first use small doses of the product or juice from it to assess the body's reaction. Experts believe that if a child with an allergy to citrus fruits is introduced to orange juice in the diet, adding it to drinks after meals, starting with small portions, gradually increasing them, then its symptoms can be significantly reduced or completely eliminated.

Due to the high content of fruit acids in orange fruits, peptic ulcers of the stomach, duodenum and intestines, gastritis with high acidity, pancreatitis, nephritis, hepatitis and colitis in the acute stage are also contraindications for their consumption. In this case, the juice can be drunk in small quantities, diluted halfway with water.

The pulp of the fruit also contains a lot of sugar, which is why their use as food is recommended to be limited to patients with diabetes. And although the calorie content of the fruit is low, only about 40 kcal per 100 g of product, for the same reason those who want to lose weight should not get carried away with them.

There is evidence that the juice of the fruit can destroy tooth enamel, thinning it, therefore, in order to neutralize the harm from oranges, dentists recommend rinsing your mouth with water after eating them.

Essential oil also has a number of contraindications. So, it must be remembered that it is phototoxic, i.e. has the property of accumulating sunlight. It is not recommended to apply oil to the skin before going outside in sunny weather, as you may get burned.

Allergy sufferers use it with caution, especially internally. In addition, it has been noted that internal administration of preparations with orange oil can stimulate the feeling of hunger.

Orange is valuable and healthy not only for its tasty pulp, but also for its peel, which is rich in nutrients and vitamins.

Orange peel contains pectin, which has a beneficial effect on intestinal function. And the presence of ascorbic acid, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, B, C bring undoubted benefits to human health. The peel helps fight viral and colds with the help of natural antibiotics - phytoncides.

How much does an orange weigh without peel?

Since the peel of all citrus fruits takes up a significant volume of the fruit, the question arises: “how much does an orange weigh without the peel?” What do we actually pay for - for the pulp or the skin? here the calculation result depends on the size of the orange.

For example, if an orange weighs 200 grams, then without the peel it’s about 50-60 grams. less.

Can you eat orange peel?

Many people have probably wondered: “is it possible to eat orange peel?” You can eat the peel, but before eating, be sure to wash the orange thoroughly with soap.

It is necessary to take into account the treatment of fruits with various types of chemicals and the presence of a thin layer of wax in order to extend the shelf life of the fruit and improve the attractiveness of healthy fruits for buyers. In addition, orange peel has the same contraindications for consumption as orange pulp. These are indigestion, gastritis and ulcers of the stomach and duodenum.

Only these contraindications are more pronounced in orange peel than in pulp. And, of course, an absolute contraindication to eating citrus peel is an allergy to the orange itself. If you start to itch or choke on orange slices, then there’s no need to talk about its peel.

Obviously, in addition to consuming citrus peel raw, it can also be used in cooking. And it is clear that this method of eating the skin will be much more popular. From the peel of an orange, the zest is obtained, which is actively used in cooking, liqueurs and very tasty jam are made.

You can make jam with or without peel. In the first option, whole pieces of oranges will be preserved, in the second, you will get the consistency of jam.

Orange jam with peel

To make jam from oranges with peel, you need to prepare a kilogram of oranges, the same amount of sugar and almost two glasses of water. Cut the oranges (without seeds and tops) into arbitrary pieces over the pan to preserve the juice, which is then added to the boiled syrup of water and sugar. Add oranges to the hot syrup, cook for two hours over low heat and roll into jars. Everything is simple and delicious.

Orange peel jam

You can try making jam from orange peels, for this you need the peels of 3-4 oranges, 300-350 g. sugar and 400 gr. water, for a beautiful color - the juice of half a lemon. Divide the fruit into four parts and peel, then cut into thin strips and roll into rolls.

In order for the rolls to keep their shape, connect them with thread and fill them with water for 4 days (the water needs to be changed a couple of times). Then, with the obligatory change of water, boil 4-5 times for 20-25 minutes, then combine the prepared peel, water and sugar and boil 2-3 times for 15-20 minutes, at the end add lemon juice, transfer to containers and store in the refrigerator.

You can add orange peels to...

No less tasty and healthy juice is made from oranges with peel, where the bitterness can be reduced with sugar.

Orange peel contains essential oils that are effectively used in cosmetics and perfumery. Today it is considered one of the popular and affordable facial skin care products, as it is suitable for any skin type. Typically, cosmetic procedures using orange oil are included in the list of beauty salon services. These can be masks, massages, and wraps. There are many options.

Orange zest- This is the peel of a citrus fruit, which has a bright orange color and a rich aroma. It is used mainly to add an original flavor to desserts or baked goods, as well as for the preparation of alcoholic beverages and meat.

Orange as an independent crop appeared in China two thousand years BC, after which the plant was brought to Europe. To grow oranges, special buildings were built, which were called greenhouses, and the trees bore best only in tropical and subtropical climates. These fruits have always been eaten, and the use of their peel was first thought of in France.

The orange peel contains small holes that contain essential oil, which provides the fruit with its characteristic aroma. The taste of the zest is bittersweet, sometimes even cloying.

Nowadays, you can easily find ready-made dried orange zest in the store. However, it will be much nicer and healthier to cook it yourself. To do this, you will need to buy fresh aromatic oranges, and also use our recommendations, which you will find in this article.

How to do it at home?

Making orange zest at home with your own efforts is very simple. Stock up on the required number of oranges, wash the citrus fruits thoroughly in running water and dry with a clean cloth.

You can remove the zest with a special object for peeling vegetables, and if you don’t have one on hand, you can use a regular grater or knife. When preparing the aromatic seasoning, keep in mind that the white layer under the skin has a very bitter taste. It is important that it does not remain on the zest, since the dish to which you add it will be bitter.

Carefully remove the zest and, if necessary, chop it additionally with a knife. Then it needs to be dried properly. This is done as follows:

After chopping the peel, take a wide tray and line it with parchment paper.
Place a thin layer of orange zest on the tray, distributing it evenly over the entire surface.
Leave the tray in a dry, well-ventilated area. If all drying rules are followed, the zest will be ready after two to three days.

If you choose a ripe and high-quality orange before preparing the zest, then after the peel dries, its color will remain as bright, and the aroma will become even richer than fresh. If you accidentally cut off the zest along with the white layer, it may become covered with brownish spots.

Use in cooking

Orange zest is used in cooking as a flavorful addition to baked goods or desserts. It is also added to meat or fish, and aromatic alcoholic drinks are made from it, as well as jams and confitures.

The combination of orange zest with baked goods such as muffins, cookies, Easter cakes, pies, muffins, cakes, buns and puddings will be very successful.

But this is far from the limit, since liqueurs, tinctures, as well as beer and moonshine are made from it. Ready-made drinks with citrus zest will have a pleasant orange aroma and subtle taste.

Orange zest is added to casseroles and biscuits, and it is also used to make cake filling by adding the crushed product to the cream.

If you like tea or coffee, orange zest added to these drinks will give them a delicious aroma and also enhance their tonic properties.

Another dessert that can be made from dried citrus peel is jam or jam. At the same time, you can also use lemon or grapefruit zest, creating a citrus mix that will only improve the taste of the treat. At the same time, do not forget that the taste of such a delicacy directly depends on how correctly you cut the peel, since the white layer under the zest can ruin the taste of the jam. Chicken baked in the oven is especially tasty, sprinkled with orange zest and sometimes lemon zest. But you can not add the preparation directly to the meat, but make a sauce based on it, which will highlight the taste of the meat and give it a citrus aroma.

Finally, the use of zest is not limited to cooking! Often enterprising housewives prepare aromatic soaps from it, as well as body and face scrubs. Essential oils contained in orange peel help strengthen the skin, tone it and improve blood circulation.

Harm and beneficial properties of orange peel

Any product that is consumed by a person can bring benefit, as well as harm. The beneficial properties of orange peel are due to its high content of essential oils, as well as a large amount of vitamins and microelements. It is useful not only to consume it internally, but also to make all kinds of masks and scrubs for skin, hair and nails.

Here is a partial list of the main beneficial properties of orange zest:
Hesperidin, contained in the peel, absorbs lipids contained in the blood, resulting in accelerated fat burning and removal from the body. An interesting fact is that the pulp of an orange contains much less of this substance than its peel, so by including citrus zest in your diet, you can easily control excess weight.
Orange peel also contains pectin. Thanks to it, you can avoid many problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
Dried orange peel added to dishes also helps maintain the body's required blood sugar levels.
The high content of vitamin C in the zest helps prevent arthritis and arthrosis, and also supplies the body with calcium, thereby increasing bone strength.
Orange peel contains a large amount of antioxidants, which can prevent the occurrence and development of cancer cells.

The product has a choleretic effect, so it helps relieve the liver of excess stress and cleanse the body.

This is not a complete list of the beneficial properties of orange zest. It can be ground to a powder to add to dishes as a seasoning, or you can simply cut it into small pieces to prepare various infusions and confitures. To prepare it, you need to boil a glass of water, add two teaspoons of chopped zest to it and leave to boil for ten minutes. After this, remove the broth from the heat, cover with a lid and let it brew for at least five minutes. When it cools down a little, you can take it orally before meals.

Orange zest is not only a flavorful addition to your baked goods and desserts, but also a delicious remedy that will help prevent and cure certain diseases. But this product can also cause harm. This happens if a person is allergic to citrus fruits, or if the zest is abused. It is also not recommended to use it for people who are susceptible to frequent intestinal disorders or suffer from ulcers or gastritis.

Thus, by using orange zest correctly, you can feel its positive effects on yourself, as well as make your dishes more tasty and aromatic.