After using or eating clementine (which are related to tangerines and taste delicious), many will throw away the peels. However, the peels should not be discarded, as they come with a number of benefits that allow them to be used in creative ways.
The clementine is a type of tangor, which is considered a hybrid among sweet oranges and mandarin oranges. The outward portion will display a deep colored orange with a texture that is quite glossy and smooth. While clementines are related to oranges and tangerines, they are simpler to peel. They are also less acidic and have a very juicy and sweet taste. As with other citrus fruits, essential oil can be extracted from them, which is rich in ingredients such as linalool, limonene and myrcene, and which provide a number of benefits. However, the peels of these fruits are advantageous as well.
Benefits Of Keeping Clementine Peels
Clementine’s and their citrus relatives provide a two for one benefit. The first benefit is eating them, while the second is the peel. This is because the peel’s external layer is packed with oils that are fragrant and which have the ability to infuse their aroma and flavor into virtually anything that comes into physical contact with it. The peels may be zested or used whole; the benefits will be the same.
Savvy people will use clementine peels to infuse alcohol, create candied peels, or use them to flavor meals such as chicken, stews, braises or brines. Zested clementine’s can also be added to cocktails, and may be used to enhance the flavor of baked goods. Since clementine’s and their citrus relatives are famous for their antibacterial attributes, the peels can be incorporated into a general purpose cleaner.
Ways Clementine Peels Can Be Stored
One advantage of using clementine peels is that if you don’t need them immediately, there are multiple ways in which they can be stored for later use. You can put them in a freezer, which is similar to the way that some people stock kitchen scraps. Simply put the peels in a bag that is airtight and reseal able and you can leave it in a freezer for as long as three months.
Another option is to zest the peels and then freeze them. This is an ideal solution if you desire zest which is finely grated, so in this case you will want to zest the peels and freeze them in bags that are airtight for future usage.
The third option is to simply dry them out using an oven. You can also use the food dehydrator. When using the oven you will want to set the temperature to a maximum of 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The time in which the peels need to be oven heated will differ based on the moisture present on them, but a general rule of thumb is to heat them for thirty minutes, and heat for longer if needed, until the peels appear dried and curled.