Disclosure: Grounded in Thyme earns a small commission from some affiliate links at no extra cost. Full Disclosures & Disclaimers.

Easy Citrus and Clove Honey – Infused Fall Honey Recipe

Don’t toss those orange peels! Dry them and turn them into a simple citrus and clove honey that brings a little fall flavor to tea, oatmeal, roasted vegetables and more.

Using dried orange peel instead of fresh peel gives this recipe a longer storage life because you aren’t introducing as much moisture into the honey. It also makes this a better option for homemade fall and holiday gifts.

And honestly, anything that turns kitchen scraps into something gift-worthy is a win around here.

Why Use Dried Orange Peel?

Plain honey naturally contains very little available water, which is one reason it keeps so well. Fresh orange peel contains moisture that can dilute the honey and potentially allow fermentation or spoilage.

Completely dried orange peel gives you the citrus flavor without adding the same amount of moisture.

The important word here is completely. The peel should be hard and brittle—not soft, damp or flexible.

You can use:

Store-bought dried orange peel intended for food
Orange peel dried in a food dehydrator
Orange peel carefully dried in your oven

Do not use dried orange peel sold only for crafts or decorations unless the package specifically says it is food-grade.

Dried Citrus and Clove Honey

Equipment

One clean, completely dry 8-ounce glass jar with a lid

Ingredients

¾–1 cup honey
1 tablespoon completely dried orange peel
4–6 whole cloves
½ cinnamon stick optional

Instructions

Make sure your jar, lid and utensils are completely clean and dry. Even a small amount of water can introduce unnecessary moisture into the honey.
Place the dried orange peel and whole cloves in the jar.
Add half of a cinnamon stick if you would like a slightly stronger fall flavor.
Pour the honey into the jar, covering the dried ingredients completely.
Stir slowly with a clean, dry spoon to remove trapped air pockets.
Secure the lid and place the jar in a cool, dark location.
Allow the honey to infuse for 1–2 weeks. Gently turn the closed jar every day or two to redistribute the ingredients.
Taste the honey after one week. When the flavor is strong enough for you, strain out the orange peel, cloves and cinnamon using a clean, dry strainer.
Transfer the strained honey to a clean, completely dry jar and close it tightly.

Notes

Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Best Used Within 3 Months

Where to Buy Supplies

8 oz Jar – Here
Honey – Here
Dired Orange Peel – Here
Whole Cloves – Here

How Long Does It Last?

When made with completely dried ingredients and kept free from moisture, this version should last longer than honey made with fresh orange peel.

For the best flavor and quality, plan to use it within three months. Store it tightly covered in a cool, dry, dark location and always use a clean, dry spoon.

Refrigeration is not normally necessary when every added ingredient is completely dry, but you may refrigerate it if you prefer an added margin of caution. The honey may thicken or crystallize in the refrigerator. That does not necessarily mean it has spoiled.

If you are uncertain whether your homemade orange peel was fully dehydrated, refrigerate the finished honey.

Discard the honey if you notice:

Mold
Bubbling or foaming
Pressure inside the jar
A fermented or alcoholic odor
An unusual change in appearance or flavor

Never give honey to a child younger than one year old.

Ways to Use Citrus and Clove Honey

Try it:

Stirred into hot tea
Drizzled over oatmeal or granola
Spoon over plain or vanilla yogurt
Spread on toast, biscuits or cornbread
Drizzled over pancakes or waffles
Added to an apple or pear crisp
Mixed into homemade salad dressing
Brushed over chicken or pork
Used as a glaze for roasted carrots or sweet potatoes
Stirred into a fall mocktail or cocktail

For a quick roasted vegetable glaze, combine one tablespoon of citrus and clove honey with a little melted butter or olive oil. Toss it with carrots or sweet potatoes before roasting.

Additional Flavor Ideas

You can change the flavor by adding one of these completely dried ingredients:

Half of a cinnamon stick
One star anise
A small piece of dried ginger
A small piece of dried vanilla bean

I recommend starting with only one extra ingredient. Cloves have a strong flavor, and it is much easier to add more spice than it is to remove it.

Make It a Homemade Gift

Citrus and clove honey makes a thoughtful homemade fall, hostess or holiday gift.

Pour the strained honey into a small decorative jar and add a round label, ribbon or wooden honey dipper. Include a tag with serving ideas and the date it was made.

Suggested label wording:

Citrus & Clove Honey
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Best Used Within 3 Months

Or use our FREE Citrus and Clove Honey Label – HERE

For an especially safe gift option, package the dried orange peel and spices as a dry infusion kit and include a separate jar of honey. The recipient can combine everything at home, and no moisture is introduced before the gift is used.

This simple recipe gives orange peels one more purpose while creating something delicious for your own kitchen—or someone else’s.

Getting Back to Our Roots—one orange peel at a thyme.

Love simple recipes that make the most of what you already have? Follow Grounded in Thyme for more homemade recipes, natural-living ideas and practical ways to get back to our roots.