Mandarin peels are often overlooked, but they offer a variety of uses in the kitchen, especially for creating flavorful and healthy recipes. Here are two easy recipes using mandarin peels that are completely sugar-free:
1. Mandarin Peel Tea
Ingredients:
Peels from 3-4 mandarins, thoroughly washed
1 liter of water
Optional: A cinnamon stick or a few cloves for extra flavor
Instructions:
Dry the Peels: Start by drying the mandarin peels. You can do this by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and leaving them in a cool, dry place for 1-2 days until they are completely dry. Alternatively, you can dry them in an oven at a very low temperature for a few hours.
Prepare the Tea: Once the peels are dry, break them into small pieces. Boil 1 liter of water in a pot and add the mandarin peel pieces. If you like, add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves for additional flavor.
Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes. The longer you simmer, the more intense the flavor will be.
Strain and Serve: Strain the tea into a cup and enjoy hot. This tea can be a soothing, aromatic drink that’s also great for digestion.
2. Mandarin Peel Spice Rub