1. Microplane Premium Classic Zester
This is non-negotiable. A standard peeler takes too much of the bitter white pith. The Microplane removes only the vibrant orange zest, which is where the essential oils live. It creates fine, fluffy zest that dries in hours, not days.
- Removes zest without pith (no bitterness)
- Dries extremely fast
- Razor sharp & durable
- Produces fine shreds (not long strips)
2. OXO Good Grips Citrus Peeler
If you want those beautiful long curls of peel in your loose leaf blend (like a Lady Grey), you need a channel knife. The OXO tool cuts deeper strips than a zester but is sharp enough to avoid the pith if you use a light hand.
- Creates decorative long strips
- Sturdy grip
- Two-in-one tool
- Requires more drying time (thicker pieces)
3. Nebula Food Dehydrator (Stainless Steel)
You can use an oven, but it often cooks the peel, destroying the flavor oils. A dehydrator maintains a low temperature (35°C-40°C) to gently remove moisture while preserving the aroma. Essential if you are drying in bulk.
- Precise temperature control (preserves oil)
- Large capacity
- Quiet operation
- Takes up counter space
4. Tala 3-Tier Cooling Rack
If you don't want to buy an electric gadget, air drying works fine for thin zest. You need a fine mesh rack that allows air to circulate from underneath (preventing mold). This stackable rack saves space while your peels dry over 2-3 days.
- Cheap and effective
- Collapsible for storage
- No electricity needed
- Takes days (humidity dependent)
5. Whole Food Earth Orange Peel
Don't want to peel, slice, and dry? Whole Food Earth sells up to 1lb bulk bags of high-quality, organic dried orange peel. It is cut into perfect granules for tea blending. It saves hours of work and tastes consistently sweet.
- Zero effort
- Consistent flavor profile
- Resealable bag
- Less aromatic than freshly dried
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