Mandarin peels are often overlooked, but they offer a variety of uses in the kitchen, especially for creating flavorful and healthy recipes. Here are two easy recipes using mandarin peels that are completely sugar-free:

1. Mandarin Peel Tea

Ingredients:

• Peels from 3-4 mandarins, thoroughly washed

• 1 liter of water

• Optional: A cinnamon stick or a few cloves for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Dry the Peels: Start by drying the mandarin peels. You can do this by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and leaving them in a cool, dry place for 1-2 days until they are completely dry. Alternatively, you can dry them in an oven at a very low temperature for a few hours.

2. Prepare the Tea: Once the peels are dry, break them into small pieces. Boil 1 liter of water in a pot and add the mandarin peel pieces. If you like, add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves for additional flavor.

3. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes. The longer you simmer, the more intense the flavor will be.

4. Strain and Serve: Strain the tea into a cup and enjoy hot. This tea can be a soothing, aromatic drink that’s also great for digestion.

2. Mandarin Peel Spice Rub

Ingredients:

• Peels from 2-3 mandarins, thoroughly washed

• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds

• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds

• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon salt (omit if you prefer a salt-free version)

Instructions:

1. Dry the Peels: Dry the mandarin peels as described in the tea recipe. Ensure they are completely moisture-free.

2. Make the Spice Blend: Once dried, combine the mandarin peels with coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and black peppercorns in a spice grinder or food processor.

3. Grind to a Powder: Grind the mixture until it forms a fine powder. For an even blend, you might need to shake the grinder a few times.

4. Store or Use: Store the spice rub in an airtight container. It can be used on meats, vegetables, or incorporated into marinades to add a citrusy and spicy flavor to your dishes.

These recipes make excellent use of mandarin peels, turning what might be waste into flavorful and healthful additions to your cooking. They’re both simple and free from added sugars, focusing on the natural flavors and benefits of the ingredients.