Orange Peel

Fresh peel: store in airtight container in fridge up to 1 week or freeze. Dried peel: store in airtight container in cool, dark place for up to 2 years. Avoid moisture to prevent mold.

Use a microplane or fine grater to remove only the colored outer layer; the white pith underneath is bitter

Wash and dry oranges thoroughly before zesting to remove any wax or residue

Dried peel can be rehydrated in warm water for 10-15 minutes before use

Toast dried peel in a dry pan to intensify flavor before grinding

Remove peel before juicing oranges to avoid waste

Chocolate and cocoa

Warm spices (cinnamon, clove, cardamom, star anise)

Vanilla and almond

Duck and pork

Cranberries and dried fruits

Ginger and chili

Fennel and olives

Grating too deep and including bitter white pith

Using peel from waxed or non-organic oranges without washing

Adding dried peel directly to dishes without rehydrating or toasting first

Storing fresh peel at room temperature where it quickly molds