If there’s a tip every cook knows, it’s that adding a touch of citrus can tie together a meal! But did you know you could use it all the way to the peel?

Citrus fruits contain lots of vitamins, but their peels are no less healthy than the rest of the pulp. According to studies, they are a great source of micro and macronutrients.

The question is, how do you prepare them? Here’s what to do with citrus peels to get the most out of every fruit.

Add a Final Touch to Drinks

When you visit bars and restaurants, you might notice how drinks come with a hint of zest. You can do the same at home, even with just the peel.

For this trick, you need to dry the peels for the best results. You also want to make sure you remove the pith, which is the white substance that gives it its bitter taste.

Once your peels are ready, you can infuse them in sparkling water or hang them over your drink for extra flavor.

Try Homemade Candied Peels

With all the nutrients it offers, citrus peels can make a great snack with proper preparation. A great way to do this is by making succade or candied peels.

Usually, this method is used to repurpose and preserve citrus peels for garnish in future recipes. And if you’re up for it, you can also have it as a little snack to-go.

You can feel free to use the citrus peels you already have at home. But for the best results, consider picking fresh produce to reduce any possible bitterness from overripe fruits.

Use Them to Flavor Dishes

Citrus fruit rinds over just as much flavor as the rest of the fruit – all you have to do is bring it out! One way is by infusing your used peels and slices into your meal as you cook.

Be creative with which fruits you use with different recipes, like lime and taco filling or lemon and pasta. Take them out before you serve and freeze them to use again later.

Turn It Into a Zest

Most cooks take zest fresh from a citrus fruit. But if you want to save time and money, consider making them beforehand and storing them for later.

You can start by zesting your fruit before you juice it. Store your zest in a container and keep it frozen until you need it. An airtight container also works if you prefer keeping them dry during storage.

Make Your Own Marmalade

If you want to add a twist to your toast recipes, you can try making marmalade. While it’s a popular addition to baked goods, you can also use it to glaze meat and veggies.

Some recipes have you put your juiced slices and peels through a food processor until coarse. But you can also cook them whole and wait for them to soften before proceeding.

Prepare with Sugar and Salt

Add a twist to regular sugar by creating citrus sugar and salt instead. This way, you can add extra flavor to your drinks or desserts.

Making this is as simple as zesting peels and mixing them with sugar, following a 1 tablespoon to 1 cup ratio. You also want to keep it up until you achieve a wet-sand texture.

If you mix it with salt, you need to dry the zest overnight and combine it with an equal amount of salt. You can use this on various savory dishes, from veggies and soup to rice and cocktails!

Find Out What to Do with Citrus Peels to Reduce Waste

Citrus fruits are a great addition to cooking, especially because their peels can do just as much as the pulp and juice. The next you wonder what to do with citrus peels, remember there’s a whole bunch of stuff you can try – even beyond cooking! This way, you get a great value for your money and help contribute to reducing food waste.