Homemade Lemon Powder Recipe

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This recipe for homemade lemon powder transforms discarded lemon peels into a zesty, long-lasting flavor enhancer. Mix it into spice blends, use it in baking, sprinkle it over veggies, or stir it into tea—it’s really practical and simple to prepare!

Homemade Lemon Powder

A bright, aromatic powder made from dried lemon peels.

Ingredients:

Organic lemons (as many as you like — start with 4–6 for a good batch) Note: Use organic lemons since you’ll be using the peel. Wash thoroughly.

Instructions:

Prep the Peels:

Wash and dry the lemons.

Use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife to remove the yellow outer peel only—avoid the white pith (it’s bitter).

If using the whole peel, you can also juice the lemons first and then use the peel, if preferred.

Dry the Peels:

Option A: Oven-Drying

Preheat oven to 170°F (75°C) or the lowest setting.

Arrange peels in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 2–3 hours, flipping once, until peels are completely dry and brittle.

Option B: Dehydrator

Set dehydrator to 95–115°F (35–46°C).

Dry for 6–10 hours, or until completely dry and crisp.

Option C: Air Drying (No Equipment)

Place peels on a wire rack or mesh screen in a dry, sunny, well-ventilated area.

Let dry for 3–5 days, turning daily, until they snap cleanly.

Grind into Powder:

Once fully dried and cooled, grind peels in a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or high-speed blender until very fine.

Optional: Sift through a fine mesh sieve for ultra-fine powder.

Store:

Transfer to an airtight glass jar and store in a cool, dark place.

Lasts up to 1 year when kept dry and sealed.

How to Use Lemon Powder:

Add to cakes, cookies, and frostings

Mix into herb blends, tea, or smoothies

Season fish, chicken, or roasted vegetables

Add to salt or sugar for flavored finishing mixes

Sprinkle over popcorn or in salad dressings

Variations:

Lime or orange powder – Use the same method with other citrus peels

Spiced lemon powder – Add dried ginger or chili powder before grinding

Sweet lemon sugar – Blend powder with granulated sugar for desserts