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| Oranges Picked Fresh from the Tree |
A couple of years ago (well, back in 2018, actually), I read a post on Angela's blog, in which she mentioned preserving orange zest in powdered form and called it "gold dust". I was intrigued because I am always looking for ways in which to preserve the rind from my oranges, instead of adding them to the compost pile or making orange cleaner. Candied peel is one idea, but, I don't use it that much. I have cut up the zest and frozen or dried it to use in baked goods, but, the idea of drying and powdering it was new. However, I forgot to make any powdered orange zest, until recently.
I used the peel from my homegrown oranges which haven't been sprayed with anything other than water. Since I don't have a zester, I peeled the oranges as thinly as I could with a knife and left them on the kitchen counter for a couple of days to dry:
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| Air Dried Orange Peels |
Then, I put all the dried peels (from four oranges) into my mortar and pestle and ground them up:
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| Ground Orange Zest |
The aroma reminded me a little of the powdered orange drink mix, Tang! I probably could have pounded it a bit more or sieved it to remove the bigger bits. But, I was satisfied with how it looked and put the powder in a small recycled glass jar (it originally contained some instant coffee) to keep on hand, to use in baked goods, etc.
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| Jar of Orange Zest Powder |
I plan to dry and add more powdered orange zest to it as I pick the rest of the oranges from my tree.
Thank you for the idea, Angela!
Have you ever tried drying and preserving orange zest for use in flavoring various dishes?
What a great idea! I bet it smelled really good.
ReplyDeleteIt did smell really good! I am looking forward to adding a pinch of the powdered zest when I next bake a cake. :)
DeleteI had no idea that powdered zest was even a thing! I don't know that I would use orange but could see lots of uses for lemon zest. Although probably best that that I don't try it as I am supposed to keep citrus to a minimum!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about it, myself, until I saw Angela's blog post. I, too, think that lemon zest will be even more useful than orange zest!
DeleteGreat idea!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Martha! :)
DeleteWhat a good idea. Thank you for showing us how you did it and thanks to Angela for the idea.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debra. I am going to try this with the zest of the next lemon I pick! :)
DeleteLike the others, I wondered how much I would really use the orange powder, but I am sure that if I had it, I would easily find uses. I can imagine it a great addition to sponge cake, or whipped cream, or steamed puddings, or.....! Great idea!
ReplyDeleteExactly! I, too, think it will be good in a sponge cake or added to some shortbread cookies, or, if I am making orange chicken. I am planning to make some lemon zest powder, too. :)
DeleteI do it all the time. I also powder lemon zest. Dried tomato peels make a great powder that adds flavour to soups. I also do a green one. Basically anything green that is getting old in the fridge except lettuce - it turns brown. Then I make it into a powder and add it to soups stews casseroles. Almost anything can be made into a powder. Your imagination is the limit. Jean
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jean! I like the idea of powdering the tomato peels, etc. I usually cook the tomatoes, peels and all, but, the next time I make something that calls for peeling the tomatoes, first, I shall dry the peels and powder them. I can see how they'll make a great addition to soups, etc. :)
DeleteI think that is worth a try and certainly lemon zest powder would be useful too. Our latest oranges have come from the US, not sure if they are from California or Florida, though.
ReplyDeleteOur weather changed so much that we even had sleet today and there is a dusting of white on the ground! But we did have several lovely days so we have to take this as well. We bottled more syrup today from the last collections but will now wait for the sap to run again.
I've been reading up on the many uses of orange peels! I think I will be drying the rest of the orange peels and the lemon peels, too.
DeleteSounds like winter is holding on for a few more days! But, spring will arrive, eventually. Maybe you can make a batch of orange infused maple syrup with the peels of the oranges you bought!
I'm with everyone else in thinking this is a good idea. I don't use orange zest that much, but might if I had it around in powdered form.
ReplyDeleteI can see myself adding a sprinkle of it to various marinades and things. :)
DeleteIt is delicious used in cookies or brownies to give a chocolate orange flavour. X
ReplyDeleteOoh, that sounds delicious! I will definitely add it so the next batch of brownies I make!
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