What is Orange Peel?

Orange Peel is the dried outer skin of the sweet orange, Citrus sinensis, in the citrus family (Rutaceae). The bright aromatic peel is a long-standing culinary spice and the source of orange essential oil.

About the plant

The peel carries most of the fruit's essential oil, dominated by limonene along with citral and linalool. It is a versatile ingredient for baking, tea, tincture, potpourri, and cocktails such as the Old Fashioned. In Chinese tradition, aged dried tangerine and orange peel, known as "chen pi," is a foundational aromatic that is said to gain value with age.

Related herbs

• Nutmeg — another warm aromatic for baking and mulled drinks.

Orange Peel: form & sizes

We carry Orange Peel as organic cut and dried peel, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Orange Peel in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Orange Peel at a glance

Botanical name

Citrus sinensis

Family

Rutaceae

Native region

cultivated worldwide

Plant part

peel

Sourcing

Organic

Aromatic compound

Limonene (the primary orange oil constituent)

Form

cut and dried peel

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb