We tend to focus on the juicy part of the orange and throw the peel away without much thought. But the peel is where a lot of the real character lives. In herbal teas, especially, dried orange peel brings more than just flavour — it brings balance, aroma, and even gentle support for digestion. Here’s why it deserves more attention.
1. Most of the scent comes from the peel
That sharp, fresh orange aroma doesn’t come from the pulp. It’s the peel that contains the aromatic oils, especially limonene, which gives oranges their instantly recognisable citrus smell.
2. It contains more antioxidants than the fruit itself
The peel is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, plant compounds with antioxidant effects. These are often more concentrated in the outer layers of the fruit than in the sweet part we usually eat.
3. The bitterness has value
Under the bright orange skin is a white layer called the pith. It’s bitter, yes, but it also contains compounds that have been studied for their potential to support circulation and reduce inflammation. In herbal terms, bitterness is often part of what makes something useful.
4. It balances the taste of a tea blend
Orange peel can lighten a blend that feels too heavy or floral. It lifts the flavour, adds a bit of brightness, and brings a fresh edge that keeps the whole cup more interesting.
5. It helps with digestion
In traditional herbal medicine, orange peel is used to support the digestive system. The aromatic compounds are thought to gently stimulate digestion and reduce bloating or discomfort after eating.
6. There’s some vitamin C, but that’s not the main reason to use it
Fresh orange peel does contain vitamin C, but most of it is sensitive to heat and light. Dried peel still has value, but not as a vitamin supplement. Its main strengths are aromatic and digestive.
7. It’s used in a lot more than just tea
Orange peel is found in spice mixes, herbal liqueurs, skincare products, and natural cleaners. It’s one of those ingredients that quietly shows up in more places than you realise.
8. Dried peel holds up well in boiling water
Fresh orange slices can turn sour when steeped too long. Dried peel doesn’t. It releases its flavour slowly and steadily, which makes it ideal in teas that are meant to brew a bit longer — especially black or spiced blends.
9. Organic matters here
Because the peel is exposed to pesticides more than the inside of the fruit, using organic peel really makes a difference. If you’re making your own blends or drinking it regularly, it’s worth seeking out untreated sources.
Orange peel is one of those ingredients people often overlook. But it’s where most of the story lives. It holds the aroma, the structure, the complexity that makes citrus feel alive in a cup of tea. Whether you’re blending it with spices, herbs, or a simple black tea, orange peel doesn’t just add flavour. It adds direction. And sometimes, that’s exactly what a good blend needs.
I first came across IVA Plants and Alex their founder at my local monthly Artisan market and decided to try the Sleep Well tea and the Rose Garden Tea. I was very impressed with the lovely aroma and the quality of the ingredients. There is an online shop but I thought I would head down to the market again to stock up. This time I bought dried Chamomile flowers, Rose buds and a Houjicha roasted greentea that she suggested for me as it is lower in caffeine. I would highly recommend all of the purchases I have made.