Lemons are known for their tangy flavor and high vitamin C content. But did you know that lemon peels also have a wide range of uses? They are packed with nutrients and can be used in various recipes, beauty treatments, and cleaning products. To help you reduce waste and make the most out of your lemons, here are four ways to preserve lemon peel.

1. Dehydrating Lemon Peels

Dehydrating lemon peels is a great way to preserve them for future use. Follow these simple steps:

– Rinse the lemons thoroughly and pat dry.

– Use a vegetable peeler or knife to remove the outer yellow layer of the peel, leaving the white pith behind.

– Divide the peels into thin strips.

– Place the strips on a dehydrator tray, leaving space between them for proper air circulation.

– Set your dehydrator to 100°F (38°C) and dry the peels for about five hours until they become crisp.

– Store the dried lemon peels in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.

2. Making Lemon Peel Powder

Turn your preserved lemon peels into powder for an easy-to-use ingredient in recipes and homemade beauty treatments:

– Follow the dehydrating process above.

– Transfer the dehydrated peel strips to a blender or food processor.

– Grind them into a fine powder.

– Sieve out any remaining large pieces of peel, re-grind if necessary.

– Store the lemon peel powder in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.

3. Freezing Lemon Peels

Preserving lemon peels in the freezer ensures they stay fresh while saving time when cooking or making beverages:

– Rinse the lemons thoroughly and pat dry.

– Use a vegetable peeler or knife to remove the outer yellow layer of the peel, leaving the white pith behind.

– Divide the peels into thin strips or grate the outer yellow layer.

– Store the lemon peels in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, then place them in the freezer.

4. Infusing Lemon Peels in Alcohol

Creating a lemon-infused alcohol is a flavorful way to preserve lemon peels and can be used for cooking and cocktails:

– Rinse the lemons thoroughly and pat dry.

– Use a vegetable peeler or knife to remove the outer yellow layer of the peel, leaving the white pith behind.

– Fold the lemon peels and insert them into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

– Fill the jar with your choice of alcohol (vodka, gin, or rum works well) ensuring all peels are fully submerged.

– Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for about 2 weeks, shaking occasionally.

– Strain out the lemon peels and transfer the infused alcohol to a clean jar or bottle.

By using these preservation methods, you can not only reduce waste but also add flavor and zest to your culinary creations, while benefiting from the nutrients found in lemon peels. Experiment with these techniques to find the one that suits you best – or try them all!