Can fresh orange peels be steeped in water for drinking?

Fresh orange peel can generally be used to make infused water, but if not properly cleaned, it may pose safety risks and usually shouldn't be consumed this way.

If fresh orange peel has been thoroughly washed to remove potential pesticide residues, dirt, and wax from its surface, then using it to make infused water is generally safe. Orange peel contains abundant nutrients such as vitamin C and flavonoids. Drinking orange peel-infused water in moderation can help with antioxidant activity, promote digestion, and enhance immunity.

Fresh orange peel may carry pesticide residues or preservatives on its surface, which are difficult to completely remove with simple rinsing. If used directly to make infused water, these harmful substances may pose health risks to humans, potentially causing symptoms like stomach pain and diarrhea. Fresh orange peel also contains high levels of volatile oils, which might irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause discomfort. Particularly for individuals who produce excessive stomach acid or frequently experience acid reflux, consuming excessive amounts of fresh orange peel-infused water may exacerbate symptoms.

When choosing to make infused water with orange peel, it's preferable to use aged tangerine peel (chenpi), as the volatile oil content in chenpi has significantly decreased while its medicinal value has increased.