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Orange Peel Tea

A naturally sweet, aromatic tea made from dried orange peels that transforms kitchen waste into a caffeine-free beverage. This simple recipe delivers bright citrus flavor with digestive and immune-boosting benefits, requiring just hot water and dried peels for a soothing cup that tastes like liquid sunshine.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Traditional
Calories: 5
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 to 1.5 tablespoons dried orange peels
  • 8 to 10 ounces water
Optional
  • Fresh honey for sweetness
  • Fresh ginger slices for extra warmth
  • Cinnamon stick for depth

Equipment

  • Teapot or mug
  • Kettle for boiling water
  • Strainer or infuser basket
  • Spoon for stirring

Method
 

  1. Fill your kettle with fresh, filtered water and bring it to a rolling boil.
  2. Scoop 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of dried orange peels into your infuser basket or directly into your teapot.
  3. Pour 8 to 10 ounces of boiling water directly over the peels in your mug or teapot.
  4. Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes, starting at three minutes for a lighter flavor and going up to five minutes for something bolder.
  5. Check that the water has turned from clear to a warm golden or amber color as the tea develops.
  6. Pour the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into your drinking cup, or remove the infuser basket if you used one.
  7. If using honey, ginger, or cinnamon, add it now while the tea is still hot and stir well to combine.
  8. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the aromatic steam, or let it cool completely and pour over ice for iced tea.

Notes

Save your steeped peels and re-steep them a second or even third time by adding fresh boiling water, though each subsequent steeping will be slightly lighter. Store dried peels in an airtight glass jar away from direct sunlight for up to six months. Use organic oranges when possible to avoid pesticide residues. Brewed tea keeps in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days in a sealed glass container.