Should You Throw Out Your Citrus Rinds?

Citrus fruits pack a punch when it comes to flavor and nutrition. Between their sweet and sour taste and a long list of health benefits (per WebMD), citrus fruits are a great choice for many snacks, desserts, and beverages. 

The flesh of citrus fruits is high in vitamin C, which helps the body heal itself, boosts the immune system, and supports heart health (via Medical News Today). According to Healthline, they're also a great source of fiber, can help fight cancer, lower cholesterol, and boost brain function. While fruits should still be eaten in moderation due to their acidity and high sugar content, says Healthline, they're still highly nutritious. 

But what about the health benefits and uses of citrus peels or rinds? Many people peel them off and toss them out, assuming they're inedible and useless. But if you throw citrus rinds out, it may surprise you to learn that they offer just as many benefits as the flesh.

Just like the flesh of citrus fruits, the rinds also offer a high amount of vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals, including potassium (per Best Health). Citrus peels can also add some extra flavor and texture to certain meals or beverages.

The best way to reap the benefits of citrus rinds is to zest the fruit with a vegetable peeler or fine grater. Lemon zest or lime zest is an essential addition or garnish to many dishes, desserts, sauces, and cocktails. Before zesting and using citrus rinds, Best Health recommends that it's best to opt for organic fruits instead of conventionally-grown fruit, due to the potential risk of ingesting pesticide residue. 

But there are so many ways to utilize citrus rinds, according to The New Yorker. In addition to using zest for food and drinks, you can also make your own household cleaners, air fresheners, and insect repellent by soaking leftover peels in water and vinegar. 

According to Islander News, citrus peels can serve as a great addition to outdoor gardens and indoor plants, due to their ability to repel pests. 

Citrus peels can also benefit the plants themselves if you add them to your compost piles. According to Gardening Channel, citrus peels add phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium to your compost, which are all healthy nutrients for plants. Gardening Channel adds that the peels should be small in size so they break down faster.

In addition to adding the peels to your compost, you can use them to make a liquid fertilizer that can be sprayed or poured directly into the soil of your plants (via Terrace and Gardening). The peels can also be ground up into a powder. 

So, should you be throwing out your citrus rinds? Not if you want the added health benefits and extra zest, or if you want to repel pests and give your plants a boost.