Homemade Lemon Powder

How to Make Homemade Lemon Powder

Bright, citrusy, and incredibly versatile! Use it to elevate sweet and savory dishes alike.

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Ingredients

• Organic lemons – use as many as you like (4–6 lemons will yield a small jar of powder)

❗️ Important: Use organic lemons if possible to avoid pesticides on the peel, which is what you’ll be drying.

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Tools Needed

• Vegetable peeler or zester

• Baking tray (if oven-drying)

• Parchment paper

• Spice grinder / coffee grinder / powerful blender

• Airtight glass jar or spice jar for storage

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Instructions

Step 1: Wash & Dry the Lemons

• Wash the lemons thoroughly in warm water.

• Scrub gently to remove any wax or dirt.

• Dry with a clean towel.

Step 2: Peel the Zest

• Using a vegetable peeler or zester, remove just the yellow part of the skin (the zest).

• Avoid the bitter white part underneath (the pith).

• Try to keep the peels as thin and dry as possible.

Step 3: Dry the Peels

You have 3 drying options:

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A. Air-Drying (No Equipment Needed)

• Spread the lemon peels on a clean tray or wire rack in a dry, ventilated spot.

• Let them dry naturally for 2–4 days or until they are crisp and snap easily.

B. Oven-Drying (Faster Option)

• Preheat oven to the lowest setting (ideally 150–170°F / 65–75°C).

• Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

• Spread the peels out evenly in a single layer.

• Bake for 1.5 to 2.5 hours, flipping every 30–45 minutes.

• They’re ready when they’re completely dry and brittle.

C. Dehydrator (Best for Even Drying)

• Set to 125°F (52°C) and dry for 6–10 hours, depending on peel thickness.

• Check periodically for doneness (should snap, not bend).

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Step 4: Grind the Peels

• Once completely dry and crisp, transfer to a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or high-speed blender.

• Grind into a fine powder.

• Sift if desired for an ultra-fine texture.

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Step 5: Store the Lemon Powder

• Store in an airtight glass jar or spice container.

• Keep it in a cool, dark, dry place (pantry or spice cupboard).

• Lasts up to 6–12 months if stored properly.

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️ How to Use Lemon Powder

Here are delicious ways to put it to good use:

✅ In Sweet Dishes:

• Sprinkle into cake, muffin, or cookie batter

• Mix into frostings, glazes, or whipped cream

• Blend into homemade lemonade or smoothies

✅ In Savory Dishes:

• Add to rub mixes, marinades, or salad dressings

• Sprinkle over roasted vegetables or grilled chicken

• Stir into soups, sauces, or rice dishes

✅ Fun Ideas:

• Mix with sugar to create lemon sugar

• Mix with salt and chili for zesty seasoning

• Add to tea blends for a citrus twist

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⚠️ Tips & Notes

• Don’t throw away the peeled lemons! Use them for juice, lemon curd, lemonade, or freeze the juice in cubes.

• Want orange or lime powder? Follow the same method with orange or lime zest.

• Keep moisture out! If the powder clumps, add a few grains of uncooked rice wrapped in cheesecloth inside the jar to absorb moisture.

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Would you like this made into a:

• Printable PDF recipe?

• ️ Visual step-by-step graphic for Pinterest or social media?

• ️ Jar label template for your lemon powder?