Orange Peel

Orange peel is the aromatic outer skin of the orange, rich in essential oils like limonene that deliver bright, citrusy fragrance. The colorful zest offers vivid flavor with minimal bitterness, while the underlying white pith is notably more bitter. Cooks use the peel fresh as grated zest, or dried and cut into strips or granules for longer shelf life and deeper, slightly bitter complexity.

Beyond baking and desserts, orange peel shines in cocktails, teas, marinades, and savory dishes where its floral-citrus notes lift richness and add top-note aroma. It candies well for garnish, infuses readily into syrups, spirits, and oils, and blends into spice mixes such as ras el hanout and five-spice. For clean citrus flavor, avoid the white pith when zesting; for appealing bitterness, include a touch of pith or use dried peel.