Are you looking to add a bright, citrusy twist to your spice collection? This homemade Orange Pepper Seasoning Blend is a must-try! Made from dehydrated orange peel and pulp paired with freshly ground black peppercorns, this blend brings a fresh burst of flavor to meats, vegetables, seafood, and even salad dressings.
🍊 Why You’ll Love This Blend:
- Zesty + Spicy: The combination of orange and pepper is bold yet balanced.
- All-Natural: No additives, fillers, or preservatives.
- Zero Waste: Reuse orange peels and pulp from juicing!
- Versatile: Save some of the dried orange zest for baking, desserts, or teas.
📝 Ingredients:
- Peels from 4 navel oranges
- Pulp and slices from 4 juiced oranges, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp whole black peppercorns
- Optional: Pinch of sea salt (to taste)
🔧 Tools Needed:
- Air fryer with a dehydrator function
- Grinder or spice mill
- An airtight jar for storage
👩🏽🍳 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oranges:
After juicing 4 navel oranges, save the peels and pulp. Thinly slice the leftover oranges (with pulp), and also slice the peels into thin strips.
2. Dehydrate:
Place the peels and orange slices in the dehydrator section of your air fryer.
Dehydrate at 120°F for 10 hours.
Let them sit out for another hour to cool and finish drying.
3. Toast and Grind the Peppercorns:
In a dry skillet, toast 4 tablespoons of whole black peppercorns until fragrant (about 2–3 minutes).
Grind them into a coarse or fine texture, depending on your preference.
4. Grind the Oranges:
Grind the dried orange slices and peels until you get a texture similar to zest or fine powder.
Set aside about 4 oz of this orange zest to use separately in baking or desserts.
5. Combine and Store:
Mix the remaining ground orange with the ground pepper.
Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place.
Lasts about 2 months
