Can I make orange peel tea using dried orange peels?

Yes, simply measure out 1 tablespoon of dried orange peels per cup of water and follow the instructions above.

Can I use any type of orange peel for making tea?

Yes, you can use any type of orange peel for making tea, but organic oranges are recommended to avoid pesticide residue. Different types of orange peel will offer slightly different flavors to the tea. I most often use Navel oranges simply because they are the easiest to find and the most affordable.

Can I add other ingredients to my orange peel tea?

Yes, you can enhance orange peel tea with ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, honey, or mint. These additions can improve the taste and may offer additional health benefits!

Is orange peel tea caffeine-free?

Yes, unlike black tea or green tea, orange peel tea is 100% caffeine-free.

Can I save orange peels to make tea later?

Yes, you can! To save fresh orange peels for tea-making a few days later, store them in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag in the refrigerator, where they'll stay fresh for up to a week. For longer preservation, freeze the peels on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag, allowing them to be kept for several months. Whether refrigerated or frozen, the peels can be used directly to steep in boiling water for a flavorful tea.

Orange Peel Tea Using Fresh or Dried Peels

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 organic oranges (only the peels will be used)
4 cups water
2 teaspoons raw honey (optional, for sweetness)
1 cinnamon stick (optional, for added flavor)

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Instructions

Wash the oranges and pat them dry with a clean towel. See notes for using dried orange peels.
Use a vegetable peeler or a paring knife to peel the oranges, aiming to get only the orange part of the peel and minimizing the white pith, which can be bitter.
Bring the 4 cups of water to a gentle boil in a pot.
Once boiling, add the orange peels and cinnamon stick. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The longer you simmer, the more intense the flavor.
Strain the tea into cups, removing the orange peels and cinnamon stick.
Sweeten with honey or your preferred sweetener, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

You can also add ginger slices to the pot for additional flavor and health benefits. I suggest peeling and slicing about a 1-inch piece of ginger if you want to include it in the pot with the orange peels.
You can also make this recipe using dried orange peels. Simple measure out 1 tablespoon of dried orange peels per one cup of water and follow the instructions above.
You can easily double or triple this recipe. Let the tea cool and then store in a covered glass jar in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
Use filtered water to make your tea to avoid any chlorine flavor.
USING DRIED ORANGE PEELS: simply measure out 1 tablespoon of dried orange peels per cup of water and follow the instructions above.

Author: Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Category: Beverages
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Healthy
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 of recipe
Calories: 2
Sugar: 0.4 g
Sodium: 19 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg