Kitchen recycling is my favorite hobby.
So many food scraps can be put to good use with just a little time and flair*, and the satisfaction is immense when I feel I’m using my supplies to the max — making chilled soup from pea pods, pesto from radish tops and croissants aux amandes from day-old croissants, using the whey from mozzarella in bread dough, parsley stems in stews, and the rinds from hard cheeses in soups.
Today’s trick is one I’ve devised because it bothered me to toss the rinds of lemons when all I needed that day was their juice.
I got the idea from a jar of roasted lemon peel, dried and ground, that I bought years ago. It was made by a Sicilian company and simply sold under the name buccia di limone (lemon peel).
That Sicilian lemon powder was so lovely it took me years to go through the little container, until I finally got my act together and realized I could just make my own.
The scent and flavor were so lovely it took me years to go through that little container — it was not cheap, and I seem to have trouble using up ingredients I perceive as rare and precious — until I finally got my act together and realized I could just make my own.
How to make roasted lemon peel
The process is simple: before I juice the lemons, I peel off ribbons of the zest with a vegetable peeler. I leave those out to dry completely for a day or two, then roast them gently in the oven before grinding them with a mortar and pestle, a step that’s rewarded by a fantastic tarte au citron smell.
Because I usually make a small batch and the whole idea is to be thrifty, I place the ribbons of lemon peel in my oven while I preheat it for something else: this means they’re exposed to a moderate heat, but it also means they need to be kept on a close watch until they reach the proper shade of golden brown.
What you get is a fragrant powder of roasted lemon peel that doesn’t pack the punch of fresh zest, but makes up for it with a toasted dimension that pulls it toward the sweet. It can be used to flavor scones and butter cookies, mixed into a fruit crisp topping or granola, infused in cream or milk for crème brûlée or gelato, sprinkled over a fruit salad (think nectarines and raspberries), blended with sugar to make lemon sugar or with tea to make lemon tea, combined with other flavorings in a rub for meat or fish… the possibilities are endless.
In fact, roasted lemon peel powder can be used in pretty much any recipe that call for fresh — I’m trying to find an exception but I can’t think of one — and I suggest substituting it measure for measure then.
And once you’ve peeled the zest for this, and juiced the lemons for whatever reason you had to buy them in the first place, the rest of the rind can be placed in your water pitcher for a day or two, where it will release a faint and refreshing citrusy flavor.
Naturally, this method could be applied to any other citrus fruit.
* For more on that topic, check out C&Z readers’ tips for a green kitchen, including suggestions on how to reduce food waste.
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Roasted Lemon Zest Powder Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
- Using a sharp vegetable peeler (I like this one), peel off the peel off the lemons in thin ribbons, making sure to get only the top colored layer of peel, and none of the bitter white pith. (The naked lemons can now be juiced as you normally would.)
- Arrange the ribbons of peel, pith side up, on a cookie sheet or in a baking dish in a single layer. Reserve somewhere dry and at room temperature for about 2 days, until the peels are completely dry; they will gradually curl up as they do.
- On an occasion when you're using your oven for another purpose, place the peels in the oven during the first 5 to 10 minutes of preheating so they will roast in the moderate heat. Keep a close eye on them so you can retrieve them when the edges are turning golden brown.
- Let cool completely, then grind finely with a mortar and pestle (or in a mini food chopper).
Notes
The roasted lemon peel powder will keep for a few months in a spice jar, preferably in the fridge.
https://cnz.to/recipes/sauces-condiments/roasted-lemon-zest-powder-recipe/
Unless otherwise noted, all recipes are copyright Clotilde Dusoulier.
FAQs
Take 1 tablespoon of Ayurveda lemon peel powder in a bowl. Add some yogurt to make a smooth paste. Apply this paste evenly over the affected areas and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash off using normal water.
How long does lemon peel powder last? ›
If you'd like to cook with them, crush the peels and buzz them in your spice or coffee grinder until you get a fine powder. Store the lemon peel powder in the fridge for up to a year.
What can I do with dried lemon peel? ›
Dried orange peel or lemon peel can be used to make your own DIY co*cktail bitters or homemade vermouth. Add them to a mulling spices mix for making aromatic hot mulled cider or mulled wine (vin brulé). Homemade mulling spices make a great holiday gift. Add dried citrus peel to a marinade or salad dressing.
Is lemon peel powder healthy? ›
High nutritional value
Lemon peel packs a high amount of fiber and vitamin C, providing 9% of the DV in only 1 tablespoon (6 grams) ( 3 ). Additionally, it boasts small amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
What is lemon peel powder good for? ›
Reduces Oxidative Stress
Lemon peel powders can help reduce oxidative stress, the imbalance of antioxidant properties, and free radicals in your body. This is because lemon peel powders are rich in bioflavonoid citrus, powerful agents that help reduce oxidative stress.
What are the benefits of lemon peel powder? ›
First, you can use lemon peel powder to help promote good digestion. Many people have found that this herb can be used to reduce the symptoms of gas, heart burn, and indigestion. Also, the high fiber content can be useful for treating both diarrhea and constipation.
Does lemon peel detox your body? ›
Lemon peel's detoxifying properties make it a valuable asset in eliminating toxins from the body. Its bioactive compounds support the liver's detoxification processes, promoting overall well-being.
What can you do with lemon powder? ›
The lemon powder can be added to flavoured drinks, teas, and herbal infusions to provide a refreshing zesty tang and citrusy flavour and add a natural source of vitamin C.
Is lemon powder as good as fresh lemon? ›
Cooking and Baking: Lemon fruit powder is an excellent substitute for fresh lemons in cooking and baking recipes. It adds a tangy and citrusy flavor to dishes, such as marinades, dressings, sauces, and desserts.
How do you dry lemon peels in the oven? ›
To dry in the oven:
- Heat the oven to its lowest heat setting. (My oven's lowest setting is 170° F.)
- Spread the zest on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it bake until the peel is dry, shriveled, and crispy. If the zest is very fine, it should be finished in 30 minutes to an hour.
Dried lemon peel is lemon zest that has been dehydrated, so it's a fantastic lemon zest substitute. That said, the flavor is much more intense, so use two-thirds less dried lemon peel than the zest called for in a recipe. In other words, if you need 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, use 1/3 tablespoon of dried lemon peel.
Is dried lemon peel the same as dried lemon zest? ›
Dried Lemon Peel has an essential oil content of between 1.5% - 2.5%. Dried Lemon Zest is made from the outer lemon peel, with most of the white part of the rind, called the pith (which may contain up to 2.5% pith), being avoided.
What is the other name for lemon peel powder? ›
Go Organic Lemon Peel Powder (Citrus Limonum)| For Face Cleanser & Skin Whitening (150 Gm) Amazon's Choice highlights highly rated, well-priced products available to ship immediately.
Why do people boil lemon peels? ›
There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that consuming boiled lemons can boost immunity, improve the skin, and even help people lose weight.
How to use lemon peel for weight loss? ›
Another way of preparing this concoction is by drying out lemon peels and ginger pieces and storing them into an airtight box. Add a spoonful of this weight loss mix into a cup of boiling water. Simmer for 2 minutes before straining it off and sipping it warm first thing in the morning.
How to use lemon peel powder for weight loss? ›
In order to use lemon peels for weight loss, all you need to do is take some lemon peels and boil them in some water. Bring it to a boil and then turn the flame off. Add lemon juice to the mix and optionally add a natural sweetener of choice. Drink this lemon peel tea to expedite your weight loss.
What is the best way to consume lemon peels? ›
Garnish Water or Tea
One of the easiest ways to make use of lemon peels is to use them as a garnish that adds a refreshing flavor to your ordinary beverage. Enliven your water or tea by twisting a lemon peel to express the citrusy oils before dropping it in your drink or placing it on the rim of your glass.
Is lemon powder as good as lemon? ›
Lemon juice powder is a shelf-stable alternative to fresh lemon. How to use lemon powder: You can substitute the powder in any recipe that calls for lemon juice, lemon zest, or lemon extract. Lemon powder add extra flavor to many baked recipes without adding extra liquid.
How much lemon powder to use? ›
One teaspoon of powder equals 2 tablespoons of juice. Lemon powder is delicious lightly sprinkled over steamed vegetables or on salad.
