Why Do Citrus Peels Spray Mist When You Twist Them? | RapidSmartFacts

Twist an orange peel near a light and you’ll see a tiny mist shoot out.

That spray is a real burst of natural oils. Citrus peels are packed with tiny

oil glands. These glands store fragrant oils, especially limonene. When you bend

or twist the peel, you squeeze those glands. The pressure builds

until some glands rupture. That releases a fine spray of oil droplets into

the air. The droplets scatter light, which makes the mist easier to

see. You smell it instantly because the oils evaporate and travel fast.

This is also why citrus zest adds so much flavor. The peel isn’t