Katrina Rosales
Incense is a great way to freshen up your home with a natural, organic fragrance. You can make your own incense at home with just one ingredient: citrus peels. Whether it's lemon, orange, or grapefruit, their peels can be used to make powdered incense. You can also add other ingredients such as cinnamon, cloves, and essential oils to enhance the fragrance. This guide will teach you how to make incense out of orange peels, a simple method to make your own homemade citrus incense.
How to make incense out of orange peels
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Orange peels, cinnamon stick, cloves, vinegar, essential oil, water |
| Utensils | Saucepan, glass jar, peeler, plate, food processor or mortar and pestle, fine mesh strainer, small glass bottle |
| Time | 20 minutes, plus drying time |
| Method | Wash and dry orange peels, spread zest on a plate and microwave until crispy, grind zest into powder, sift powder, store in a glass bottle |
| Use | Air freshener, moisture in the air, relaxation, bug repellent, meditation and yoga |
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What You'll Learn
Drying orange peels
Firstly, it is important to use organic oranges to avoid the presence of insecticides, waxes, and other chemicals on the peel. The oranges should be thoroughly washed, especially if they are store-bought, to remove any pesticides.
There are several methods to dry orange peels, with or without special equipment. One method is to use a dehydrator. Arrange the orange peels in a single layer on the trays, and set the temperature to 135°F. Dehydrate for approximately one hour or until the peels are dry and crispy.
If you do not have a dehydrator, you can use an oven. Preheat the oven to a low temperature, around 200°F. Spread the orange peels in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. If the peels are not crispy after 30 minutes, turn off the oven and leave the tray inside for about 15 minutes.
Another option is to air-dry the orange peels. Place the peels on a plate or baking tray and let them dry at room temperature for a few days until they are completely dry and crispy. You can also use a box fan and air conditioner filters to speed up the drying process. Sprinkle a small amount of lemon juice on the peels (optional) and place them between the filters. Mount the filters on the fan and let it run overnight or until the peels are dry.
Once the orange peels are fully dried, they can be used whole or ground into a powder using a spice grinder, food processor, or mortar and pestle. The powder can be stored in an airtight container or spice jar and used as needed.
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Powdering the peels
Next, spread the zest pieces evenly over a plate and microwave on the highest setting for around 5 minutes, until they become crispy. This step ensures that the peels are completely dried out and makes them easier to grind into a fine powder. Once the peels are crispy, let them cool down slightly before proceeding to the next step.
Now, it's time to grind the zests into a powder. You can use a food processor or a more traditional mortar and pestle for this step. Grind the zests until they reach a fine, consistent powder form. If you prefer a more textured incense, you can leave some larger pieces, but be sure to break down the majority of the zest for optimal fragrance release.
Finally, sift the zest powder using a fine-mesh strainer to ensure a smooth, consistent powder. This step helps to remove any larger pieces or chunks that may have been missed during the grinding process. Once the powder is sufficiently fine, transfer it to a small glass bottle or jar with a lid. Be sure to label and date your incense, and store it in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.
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Adding scents
The aroma of orange peels can be enhanced by adding other natural ingredients to the mix. You can add a cinnamon stick and a few cloves to the saucepan, along with vinegar, to create a warm fragrance. This combination of orange peels, cinnamon, and cloves is a great way to add a cozy scent to your home during the colder months.
Another option is to add essential oils to enhance the fragrance of your homemade incense. A few drops of essential oils, such as Siberian Fir, can be added to the mix. This not only boosts the aroma but also ensures that the scent lingers for longer.
If you're looking for a more tactile experience, you can create a dry blend by mixing resins like copal and opopanax with your hands or a spoon. Adding orange peel and clove powder to this mixture will create a delightful loose incense blend.
For a simple and natural approach, you can dry and save your orange peels in a bowl or jar. This method allows the peels to retain their scent while also serving as a decorative element. The dried peels can be placed in a glass jar with a lid that is slightly ajar, allowing the fragrance to gently permeate the room.
Additionally, you can experiment with different combinations of citrus peels, such as lemons, limes, grapefruits, or kumquats, to create unique scent profiles. The variety of citrus options provides a wide range of fragrances to choose from, allowing you to customize your incense according to your preference.
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Storing the incense
Storing your homemade orange peel incense is straightforward. You will need a small glass bottle or jar with a lid. If you plan to use the incense as scented wax, a small glass bottle is more suitable. However, if you intend to use it as potpourri, a jar with a lid that can be slightly cracked is ideal.
To prepare your incense for storage, start by washing and drying your chosen citrus fruits. Use a peeler to remove the coloured outer skin, and spread the zest pieces evenly on a plate. Microwave the zest on 100% powder for about five minutes until they are crispy. Next, use a food processor or mortar and pestle to grind the zests into a fine powder. Sift the powder with a fine mesh strainer to ensure it is smooth and free of lumps.
Once you have a fine powder, you can store your incense in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight. It is recommended to use your incense within a year, as the fragrance may fade over time. If you plan to use it as scented wax, you can press the white ash tightly with an ash press to create a flat surface and then place your incense mould in the centre.
For those who want to use their orange peel incense as a gift or for future use, mixing the dried ingredients in a glass jar will allow the scent to permeate the room gently. Only a small amount of this incense is needed at a time, so a little goes a long way in fragrancing your space.
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Burning the incense
Once you've made your orange peel incense, it's time to burn it and fill your space with its delightful fragrance. Here's a step-by-step guide to burning your homemade orange peel incense:
Preparing the Incense
Before you begin burning your incense, there are a few preparatory steps to take. Firstly, decide whether you will be using a heat-safe surface or a heat-resistant bowl to burn your incense. If you're using a bowl, choose one that is not only heat-resistant but also aesthetically pleasing, as it will be part of your incense display. You can also use a container with a lid to store any leftover incense before burning.
Assembling the Materials
Gather the necessary materials for burning loose incense. You will need a small tab of natural charcoal, preferably made from natural bamboo without lighter fluid. A lighter or matches will be your heat source, and a small pair of tongs will be useful for handling the hot charcoal safely. If you plan to add essential oils to enhance the aroma, have them ready as well.
Lighting the Charcoal
Using your lighter or matches, ignite the small tab of natural charcoal. Hold the charcoal with the tongs and light the edges until a flame forms. Be cautious, as the charcoal will be hot. If you're using a heat-safe surface, place the burning charcoal directly onto the surface. If you're using a bowl, carefully place the charcoal inside.
Adding the Incense
Once the charcoal is lit and stable, it's time to add your homemade orange peel incense. Sprinkle a small amount of the powdered incense directly onto the burning charcoal. You can adjust the amount depending on the desired fragrance strength, but start with a conservative amount, as a little goes a long way.
Enhancing with Essential Oils
If you want to enhance the fragrance or create unique scent combinations, add a few drops of your chosen essential oil directly onto the burning incense. For example, Siberian Fir essential oil blends beautifully with orange and clove. Always use a spoon to stir the incense and avoid direct contact with undiluted essential oils.
Enjoy the Aromatic Experience
With your incense burning, sit back and enjoy the aromatic experience. The fragrance of orange peels, enhanced by the essential oils, will create a pleasant atmosphere. Remember to keep the area well-ventilated and always burn incense responsibly, following safety guidelines.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 20 minutes to make incense out of orange peels, with only one ingredient required: citrus peel.
You will need a citrus fruit of your choice, such as an orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit. You will also need a peeler, a plate, a microwave, a food processor or mortar and pestle, a fine mesh strainer, a small glass bottle, and white ash.
First, wash and dry your chosen citrus fruit. Use a peeler to remove the coloured outer skin. Spread the zest pieces evenly on a plate and microwave until crispy. Next, grind the zests into a powder using a food processor or mortar and pestle. Sift the powder, then store it in a small glass bottle. Finally, follow the steps for burning loose incense, which involves using an incense mold and white ash.
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