Homemade Orange Peel Salt

Ingredients:

• Orange peels from 2-3 oranges
• Salt (preferably coarse or sea salt)

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
   • Wash the oranges thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides.
   • Peel the oranges, trying to avoid too much of the bitter white pith. Use a peeler or a sharp knife for this.
   • Chop the orange peels into small pieces for easier handling and drying.
2. Boiling the Orange Peels:
   • In a pot, add the chopped orange peels and cover them with water.
   • Add a generous amount of salt to the water. The exact amount isn’t crucial, but aim for a salty brine.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. This helps to infuse the salt with the orange essence and soften the peels.
3. Drying the Orange Peels:
   • After boiling, drain the water and spread the orange peels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Allow the peels to dry completely. You can either air dry them in a warm, dry place or use an oven set to a low temperature (around 100°C or 210°F). If using the oven, bake for about 2 hours, checking occasionally to ensure they don’t burn. The peels should be crisp and brittle when fully dried.
4. Grinding the Mixture:
   • Once the orange peels are dried, combine them with an equal amount of salt (or more, depending on your taste) in a food processor or spice grinder.
   • Pulse until the mixture is finely ground and evenly combined. You can adjust the coarseness to your preference.
5. Storage:
   • Store the homemade orange peel salt in an airtight container. It will keep for several months if stored in a cool, dry place.

Usage:

Use this orange peel salt to add a citrusy, savory kick to dishes. It’s great for seasoning meats, vegetables, or even as a finishing touch on salads and desserts.

Enjoy your homemade seasoning, and feel good about reducing waste and making something delicious from simple ingredients!