How to Make Vitamin C Powder out of Orange Peels

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

Orange peels have nearly three times more vitamin C than the fruit's pulp, making them a potent source of this essential nutrient. Learning how to make vitamin C powder out of orange peels allows you to harness this power and transform a food scrap into a valuable, homemade supplement.

Quick Summary

This guide provides steps for safely transforming organic orange peels into vitamin C-rich powder. It covers necessary equipment, crucial preparation steps, and various drying methods to create a versatile, natural supplement for skin care and cooking. Always use organic oranges to avoid pesticides.

Key Points

Start with Organic Oranges: Always use organic fruits to avoid ingesting concentrated pesticide residues that accumulate on the peel.
Dry the Peels Thoroughly: Ensure the peels are completely dry and brittle before grinding to prevent mold and ensure a fine powder, whether using an oven, dehydrator, or air-drying.
Use a High-Powered Grinder: For best results, use a spice grinder or high-speed blender to achieve a fine, consistent powder texture.
Store Properly: Keep the powder in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency and freshness for months.
Consider Health and Medications: Consult a doctor before using as a supplement, especially if on medications, as some citrus compounds can have interactions.
Versatile Uses: The powder can be used in smoothies, teas, baked goods, savory dishes, or even homemade skincare products.
Nutrient-Rich Source: Orange peels contain significantly more vitamin C and other beneficial compounds than the fruit's pulp.

The Power of the Peel: Why Use Orange Peels?

Most people throw away orange peels without realizing they are a nutritional powerhouse. The peel contains fiber, flavonoids, and vitamin C, often in higher concentrations than the orange's flesh. This makes it an excellent choice for making a concentrated powder, reducing food waste, and providing a cost-effective and natural way to boost nutrition. The polyphenols in orange peels, including hesperidin and polymethoxyflavones, have also been studied for potential health benefits, adding further value to this DIY project.

Essential Equipment and Ingredients

Gathering the right tools and ingredients is key to ensuring a successful and safe process.

Organic Oranges: It's crucial to use these to avoid pesticides and other chemical residues that accumulate on the peel.
Vegetable Peeler or Sharp Knife: Used to remove the peel from the fruit.
Baking Sheet or Dehydrator: Needed for the drying process.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking during oven drying.
Blender, Spice Grinder, or Food Processor: Used to pulverize the dried peels into a fine powder.
Airtight Glass Jar: For proper storage to maintain freshness.
Clean Towel or Paper Towels: Used for washing and drying the fruit.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Orange Peel Powder

Select and Wash Organic Oranges: Start by selecting organic oranges to ensure they are free of harmful pesticides. Wash the oranges with warm water and a vegetable brush. A mixture of water and vinegar can also be used to cleanse the surface effectively. Dry them completely. This step is critical for a high-quality, safe final product.
Peel the Oranges: Carefully remove the peel using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Try to leave as much of the white pith behind as possible for the best flavor and a less bitter powder, as the pith is significantly more bitter than the colored outer zest.
Dry the Peels: There are several methods for dehydrating the peels to prepare them for grinding.
- Oven Method: Arrange the orange peels in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in the oven at the lowest possible temperature (usually around 170-200°F or 80-95°C). Bake for 1-3 hours, checking frequently and flipping them over occasionally to ensure even drying. The peels should be hard, brittle, and snap easily when finished.
- Dehydrator Method: For more precise and even drying, place the peels on dehydrator trays. Set the temperature to around 115-125°F (46-52°C) and dry for 6-12 hours, or until completely brittle.
- Air-Drying Method: In a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area, place the peels on a wire rack. Turn them daily and allow them to dry for 3-7 days. This method is the most time-consuming but requires no energy.
Grind into a Fine Powder: Once the peels are completely dry and cooled, transfer them to a high-speed blender, spice grinder, or food processor. Blend until a fine powder consistency is achieved. For a smoother powder, sift the result to remove any larger, unground particles.
Store the Powder: Transfer the finished powder to a clean, airtight glass jar. Store it in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry. This ensures maximum shelf life and preserves the potency of the vitamin C. The powder can last for several months if stored correctly.

Comparison of Drying Methods


Method	Pros	Cons	Best For
Oven	Faster than air-drying, good for small batches.	Risk of burning if not monitored closely, uses electricity.	Quick jobs when you need the powder sooner.
Dehydrator	Precise temperature control, low risk of burning, energy efficient over time.	Requires a dedicated appliance, takes several hours.	Regular users or making larger batches.
Air-Drying	No equipment or electricity needed, very low cost.	Slowest method, requires consistent warm, dry conditions.	Those without special equipment or who prefer a passive approach.

Using Your Homemade Vitamin C Powder

Your homemade orange peel powder is versatile. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your daily routine:

Smoothies and Juices: Add a teaspoon to your morning smoothie or juice for a vitamin C boost.
Teas: Mix with hot water and honey for a soothing, immune-supporting tea.
Baking: Incorporate the powder into cakes, muffins, or cookies for a zesty orange flavor.
Seasoning: Sprinkle over roasted vegetables, fish, or chicken for an aromatic citrus kick.
Skincare: Create DIY face masks by mixing the powder with yogurt, honey, or rose water to brighten skin and reduce inflammation.

Conclusion

Creating your own vitamin C powder from orange peels is a simple, sustainable, and rewarding process. By following a few straightforward steps, a common kitchen scrap can be turned into a versatile and nutritious ingredient. It's an excellent way to reduce food waste while tapping into the high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in citrus peels. Always remember to use organic oranges for a clean, pesticide-free product, and enjoy the many uses of this homemade nutritional powerhouse.

Important Safety Note

While orange peel powder offers many benefits, it's not a regulated pharmaceutical product. Consult with a healthcare professional before using it as a supplement, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medication. High concentrations of citrus compounds can potentially interfere with certain medications, including some cardiovascular drugs. For sensitive skin, always do a patch test before applying it to your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is highly recommended to use organic oranges. The peels of non-organic oranges can contain high levels of pesticides and other chemicals.

Yes, orange peels are rich in vitamin C, with a higher concentration found in the peel than in the fruit's flesh. However, the powder is not a chemically pure source of vitamin C but a whole-food supplement rich in many nutrients.

The powder should be stored in a clean, airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place. This prevents moisture from causing mold and preserves the powder's potency and flavor for several months.

If properly dried and stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place, the powder can last for up to six months. You can also freeze it to extend its shelf life.

Yes, orange peel powder is excellent for skincare. When mixed with ingredients like yogurt or honey, it can create a face mask that brightens skin, exfoliates, and helps with acne.

Using organic oranges is crucial because the peel, which is exposed to the environment, can harbor pesticide residues that are not safe for consumption. Even a thorough wash may not remove all chemicals.

The flavor of the powder can be slightly bitter, especially if too much of the white pith is included. To minimize bitterness, try to peel only the outer orange zest.