orange peels usually end up in the bin. most of us don't think twice about it. but there's actually something worth making with them – a simple citrus tea that tastes surprisingly good and uses what you'd normally throw away.
if you've got oranges sitting around, the peels are all you need. our orange tea recipe walks you through it. and honestly, it's hard to mess up! a few ingredients, about fifteen minutes of your time, and you've got a warm drink worth much more than the effort.
the orange peel tea that actually tastes like something you'd want to drink again. no waste, just great taste! our orange tea recipe below shows you exactly how to make orange tea at home.
What Is Orange Tea?
orange tea is just steeped orange peels – nothing complicated about it. you can use fresh peels, dried ones or even tea bags if you're looking for a convenient way to make it.
at first, the idea of brewing orange peels might seem odd. but it makes more sense when you know the peels carry oils and citrus notes that slowly release into the water when brewed.
its taste depends on how you make it. some people add spices or mix it with black tea to build out the flavour a bit more. fresh peels give a brighter taste, while dried peels produce something mellower. either way, it’s an enjoyable drink.
How To Make Orange Tea?
making orange tea at home is straightforward. that said, a few details make the difference between a mediocre drink and a genuinely good one. here's everything you need to know about how to make orange tea that actually tastes like something you'd make again.
the process is simple – steep orange peels in hot water – but how you prep them and what you add can change the final taste a bit.
the flavour is interesting and balanced. it's milder than you'd get from chewing peel, and less sweet than the orange itself. it depends a bit on whether you use fresh or dried peels. fresh peels give you a sharper citrus note. dried peels mellow it out, making it smoother and less bitter. it’s enjoyable either way.
why bother making it?
• quick to pull together – takes about 15 minutes start to finish. no special skills, no twisted steps.
• uses what you'd bin – instead of tossing the peels, you're turning them into something drinkable. once you're done, they can still go in the compost.
• smells good while it brews – the citrus oils fill the air as it steeps. small thing, but it makes the kitchen smell better than most teas do.
• potential health perks – orange peels carry compounds with potential health benefits.
Total Servings:-
4
Preparation Time:-
5 Minutes
Cooking Times:-
10 minutes
Nutritional Value:-
12 calories, 0g fat, 3g carbs, 0g protein
Recipe Category:-
beverage
Cuisine:-
taiwanese
equipment:
• saucepan or pot
• strainer
• cups
ingredients:
• 4 cups water
• peels from 2 oranges
• 2 cardamom pods (optional)
• ½ inch cinnamon stick (optional)
• pinch of saffron (optional)
• honey (to taste)
notes on ingredients:
• orange peel: choose oranges that look and feel fresh – bright in colour and firm. those natural oils in the peel are where all the flavour is, so the better the orange, the better the tea.
organic is a great choice if you can get it, as the peels are less likely to carry pesticide residue. either way, give them a good wash.
• spices: if you prefer something bolder, cloves or fresh ginger are great alternatives. other options include cardamom and cinnamon to add a layer of flavour. by the way, cinnamon was once treated like money in the middle ages. these days, it’s far more accessible, but no less popular.
instructions:
1. prep the peels
pick good oranges and check for any dodgy spots. wash them with hot water to get rid of any residue. cut the peels into small pieces – they release more flavour. if you're using dried peels, kitchen scissors work fine for chopping them up.
2. boil the water
pour the water into a pot and bring it to a boil. add the orange peels, stir and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. if you're adding cinnamon or cardamom, toss them in now.
3. steep it
after 10 minutes, take the pot off the heat. cover it and let the peels steep for a few more minutes. this pulls out the last of the oils and flavour.
4. strain
use a fine mesh strainer to filter out the peels, cinnamon sticks and cardamom shells. pour the tea into cups.
5. sweeten and serve
add honey if you want it sweeter. stir it well and drink it while it's hot. you can try the cold tea variation as well.
Tips And Tricks to Make Refreshing Orange Tea
understanding how to make orange tea properly means paying attention to a few small details.
• choose the peel of good oranges. organic is ideal since you're using the peel, where pesticides tend to concentrate. wash them thoroughly with hot water before peeling, then pat dry.
• trim the pith if you want less bitterness. the white pith can add a bitter note to your tea. you don't need to remove every bit, but scraping off the thicker white layer before brewing gives you a cleaner citrus flavour.
• adjust spices to suit yourself. the recipe gives you a baseline with cardamom and cinnamon, but you can shift things around. try it with black or green tea if you want more depth.
• don't leave peels in too long. if you're not drinking it straight away, remove the peels after brewing – they can turn bitter if left sitting for hours.
• scale up for the guests. just multiply the quantities if you're making a bigger batch.
Ways To Store Your Leftover Orange Tea
If you’re wondering how to make orange tea leftovers last longer, don’t worry. There’re a few ways you can keep it fresh and tasty for later.
One way is to simply refrigerate the tea in an airtight container. This will help keep it from spoiling and maintain its flavour for up to 24 hours.
If you want to store the tea for longer, you can freeze it in ice cube trays. Once the cubes are frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. These tea cubes are perfect for adding a burst of flavour to your water or other beverages.
With these tips, you can enjoy your orange peel tea for longer.
Different Variations of Orange Tea
now that you know how to make orange tea, it’s time to explore some tasty twists on the classic version. these variations are easy to try and let you personalise your brew.
• spiced orange peel tea: add some fresh ginger or a few cloves while your peels steep. they add warmth and depth without overpowering the orange flavour. works well in colder months.
• orange black tea: for a stronger taste, add a black tea bag while the water is boiling. let it steep for a few minutes, and you’ll have a strong and citrusy drink that has the right strength.
• orange green tea: you can even pair orange peels with green tea. it gives you a lighter version. it keeps the taste bright and delicate.
• orange chamomile: steep chamomile tea with the peels for a soft, calming cup to wind down in the evening.
• orange mint tea: a few fresh mint leaves turn your tea into a bright, refreshing pick-me-updelicious hot or iced.
Conclusion
orange peel tea is one of those drinks that sounds more complicated than it actually is. now that you’ve seen how to make orange tea, it’s clear how simple it can be. just steep some peels and add spices if you want, and you've got a tasty drink with potential health benefits.
you can either keep the basic orange tea recipe or try the variations with black tea for something stronger, chamomile for a soothing drink or spices when you want warmth. it lets you make your own version easily.
best of all, it makes good use of something that often gets thrown away. so, next time you've got oranges lying around, give it a go.
FAQs On Orange Tea
q. How long should you boil orange peels?
a. orange peels should be boiled for around 5-10 minutes in water. this is usually enough to release their citrus flavour and the oils. you can adjust the time slightly depending on your taste – a longer steep gives a stronger flavour, while a shorter one keeps it lighter.
q. How can I enhance the flavour of orange tea?
a. you can bring extra flavour to orange peel tea by trying additions like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, or different types of tea. these ingredients add depth and complement the citrus notes, letting you create a version that suits your taste perfectly.
q. How is orange tea different from regular tea?
a. the main difference is that orange peel tea doesn't need tea leaves at all. it's made by steeping orange peels in hot water, which releases citrus oils for flavour. that said, you can mix it with black or green tea if you want a variation in flavour.
q. can you put milk in orange tea?
a. orange tea is usually made without milk. the citrus notes can clash with dairy and plant-based milks, so it’s best enjoyed as a milk-free infusion.
