How To Make and Use Dried Lemon Peel
If you know anything about my flavor preferences, then you probably already know that LEMON is very near the top of the list! (I even have a whole Pinterest board devoted to my love of lemons!) So it shouldn’t really come as a surprise that today’s project is all about lemons – or lemon peels, to be exact!
Lemons are a pretty fascinating fruit, because you can use them for so many different things! Not only does their fresh citrus flavor complement many different sweet and savory foods, but it also makes an excellent cleaner. And on top of that, it’s used in many health and beauty products, too!
Today I’m sharing an easy way to keep lemon on hand to use in recipes, cleaners, and homemade beauty products… by making your own dried lemon peels! The peel of the lemon contains oils that are packed with lemon scent and flavor, and you can keep dried lemon peels in your fridge to use for up to a year!
Directions:
Use your vegetable peeler to peel the skin off your lemons. Try to avoid peeling off the white stuff (the pith,) since it is more bitter in flavor.
Once you’re done peeling, place your peeler on the racks of your dehydrator. Dry them for several hours at 95 degrees, or on the low setting. You’ll know they’re completely dry when the peels snap when pressed, rather than bending. (Ours dried in about 10 hours.)
How to Use Dried Lemon Peels
You can use your dried lemon peels as-is by mixing them into a potpourri mix. Mmmm, I love the fresh, citrus-y scent of real lemons!
Alternately, you can put your dried lemon peels into a blender, food processor, or spice grinder, and grind them into a powder. The powdered lemon peel can be substituted for fresh lemon zest in many recipes! Just use 1 tsp of your dried lemon peel for each tablespoon of lemon zest that a recipe calls for.
- You can also use your powdered lemon peel to add delicious lemon-y flavor to salad dressings, cookies, pudding, veggies, etc. Use sparingly, since the flavor is concentrated, and add to taste.
- Add a small spoonful of your powdered lemon peel to a small bowl, along with and handful of sugar and a splash of olive oil. Mix it up and use it as a quick and easy body scrub! Scrub away dead, flaky skin and reveal the soft, smooth skin underneath.
