10 Surprising ways to use your clementines
You thought clementines were just for peeling and eating? Think again! This little citrus fruit is a true Swiss army knife for the kitchen and home.
In the kitchen: Recipes that change everything
1. Homemade infused oil (to elevate your dishes)
Collect the zest from 4-5 clementines (only the orange part, not the white pith). Put them in a glass bottle and cover with quality olive oil. Let it infuse for 1 week at room temperature.
How to use it: On your salads, grilled fish, roasted vegetables, or even drizzled over burrata. The citrus flavor completely transforms your dishes!
Extra tip: You can also make a spicy oil by adding a dried chili pepper to the bottle. Perfect on pasta or pizza!
2. Citrus vinegar (goodbye industrial balsamic vinegar)
Same principle as the oil: put clementine peels in white or apple cider vinegar. Let it steep for 2 weeks.
How to use it: In your vinaigrettes, to deglaze meat, or diluted in water to clean windows (yes, we’re getting to that!).
Bonus tip: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme for even more flavor.
3. Flavored salt (the perfect holiday gift)
Zest 3-4 clementines and dry them in the oven at 175°F for 1 hour (door slightly open). Finely grind them and mix with coarse salt. Store in a pretty jar.
How to use it: On fish, roast chicken, steamed vegetables, or even on melted dark chocolate! Seriously, try it—it’s amazing.
Sweet variation: Mix with sugar instead of salt to make flavored sugar (great on crepes or in yogurt).
4. Candied peels (the ultimate natural treat)
The recipe in 3 steps:
- Cut the peels into strips and blanch them 3 times in boiling water (to remove the bitterness)
- Cook them for 1 hour in a syrup (equal parts water and sugar) over low heat
- Drain and roll in sugar, then let dry on a rack
How to use them: As a sweet treat, dipped in melted dark chocolate, chopped into cakes, or with coffee. A delight that keeps for 1 month in an airtight jar!
Zero-waste tip: Don’t throw away the cooking syrup! Use it to sweeten your teas, cocktails, or drizzle over pancakes.
5. Citrus butter (to impress your guests)
Mix 100g of softened butter with the zest of 2 clementines, a pinch of salt, and optionally a little honey. Roll into a log in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge!
How to use it: On warm toast, to finish a fish dish, on steamed vegetables, or melted over a steak. Simple but incredibly delicious.
Storage: 1 week in the fridge, 3 months in the freezer.
Around the house: Life-changing tips
6. 100% natural multi-surface cleaner
In a jar, put the peels from 5-6 clementines and cover with white vinegar. Let it steep for 2 weeks, strain, and dilute 50/50 with water in a spray bottle.
How to use it: On all surfaces (except marble and natural stone), to degrease the kitchen, clean windows, and descale the bathroom.
Why it works: The citric acid from the peels boosts the cleaning power of vinegar, and it smells amazing instead of that vinegar smell!
7. Natural air freshener for your home
Quick version: Boil clementine peels in a pot of water with a cinnamon stick and a few cloves. Let it simmer on low heat. Your home will smell like Christmas in 10 minutes!
Long-lasting version: Dry the peels, put them in pretty fabric sachets, and place them in your closets, drawers, car, or even in your vacuum cleaner. The scent releases with each use.
Bonus: Fresh peels in the compost bin neutralize bad odors!
8. Eco-friendly fire starters (for your fireplace or barbecue)
Completely dry the clementine peels. The essential oils they contain make them super flammable!
How to use them: Slip a few dried peels under your logs or charcoal. They catch fire quickly and release a delightful scent.
Variation: Dip them in melted wax to make proper homemade fire starters.
9. Winter potpourri (decor + room fragrance)
In a pretty transparent bowl, artfully arrange:
- Dried clementine peels
- Cinnamon sticks
- Star anise
- Pine cones
- A few bay leaves
Add 2-3 drops of orange or cinnamon essential oil every 2 weeks to refresh the scent.
Guaranteed effect: Natural, zero-waste decor that smells wonderful. Perfect for the holiday season!
10. Vitamin-packed body scrub (home spa)
Mix:
- Finely grated zest from 2 clementines
- 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (or olive oil)
- A few drops of honey
How to use it: In the shower, massage in circular motions then rinse. Your skin will be soft and smell divine!
Good to know: Use immediately or store for a maximum of 1 week in the fridge.
