10 Ways to Use Lemon Peels

Most of us squeeze a lemon and throw away the peel without giving it a second thought. But that bright yellow rind can be used in cooking, baking, cleaning and a few simple DIY projects around the home.

Lemon peel contains aromatic oils and plant compounds, while eating more of the whole fruit also provides fiber that lemon juice alone does not. Before using the peel in food, wash the lemon thoroughly under running water and gently scrub the outside.

Can You Eat Lemon Peel?

Yes, lemon peel can be eaten when it has been properly washed and prepared. The colorful outer layer is known as the zest and is commonly added to both sweet and savory recipes.

Lemons provide vitamin C and beneficial plant compounds. Eating the fruit and some of its peel can also provide more fiber than drinking the juice alone.

The white layer beneath the zest is called the pith. It is edible, but its bitter flavor means that most recipes use only the thin yellow outer layer.

Ways To Use Lemon Peel in Food

Before zesting a lemon, rinse it under running water and scrub the surface with a clean produce brush. Dry it thoroughly before removing the zest.

1. Add fresh lemon zest to meals

Finely grated lemon zest can bring a bright citrus flavor to:

• Salads and salad dressings
• Marinades
• Pasta dishes
• Roasted vegetables
• Fish and chicken dishes
• Cakes, cookies and other baked goods
• Yogurt, oatmeal and smoothies

2. Make lemon peel powder

Place thin strips of lemon peel skin-side down on a clean plate or drying rack. Leave them in a dry, well-ventilated area until they are completely crisp. The drying time will depend on the thickness of the peel and the humidity in the room.

Once fully dried, blend the peels into a fine powder. Store the powder in a clean, airtight container and use a small amount to add citrus flavor to recipes.

3. Freeze lemon zest

If you have more zest than you need, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen zest can be added directly to many recipes without thawing it first.

4. Make homemade marmalade

Marmalade is a classic way to use more of the whole lemon. The peel is sliced and cooked with the fruit, water and sugar until it develops its familiar bittersweet flavor.

5. Make candied lemon peel

Lemon, orange and grapefruit peels can all be candied. The peel is usually simmered to soften it before being cooked in a sugar syrup and left to dry.

Household Uses for Lemon Peel

The fresh scent and natural acidity of lemons can make leftover peels useful for certain small cleaning jobs. Always test a hidden area first and avoid using lemon on natural stone or other acid-sensitive surfaces.

Freshen the garbage disposal

Add a few small pieces of lemon peel to the garbage disposal and run it with cold water. Avoid adding large amounts or thick pieces that could contribute to a blockage.

Loosen residue in a kettle

Add a few lemon peels and water to the kettle, bring the water to a boil and switch it off. Allow it to sit before emptying and rinsing the kettle thoroughly.

Check the manufacturer's care instructions first, particularly when cleaning an electric kettle.

Steam-clean the microwave

Place lemon peels in a microwave-safe bowl filled halfway with water. Heat the bowl until the water begins to steam, then leave the microwave closed for a few minutes.

Carefully remove the hot bowl and wipe the inside of the microwave with a clean cloth. The steam can help soften dried food and grease.

Freshen the refrigerator

Place a few fresh lemon peels in a small uncovered dish in the refrigerator for a temporary citrus scent. Replace the peels regularly before they begin to spoil.

Infuse vinegar for cleaning

Lemon peels can be soaked in white vinegar in a sealed glass container to create a citrus-scented cleaning solution. Strain the liquid before use and dilute it as needed.

Do not use acidic cleaners on marble, granite, natural stone or any surface for which the manufacturer advises against vinegar or citrus-based products.

Can You Use Lemon Peel on Your Skin?

DIY beauty recipes sometimes recommend rubbing lemon peel or lemon juice directly onto the skin. However, citrus can irritate sensitive skin, and exposure to sunlight after citrus touches the skin may contribute to a painful reaction called phytophotodermatitis.

For this reason, we do not recommend using lemon peel to lighten the appearance of age spots, tone the face or replace products specifically formulated for skincare.

If you decide to use a homemade lemon sugar scrub on areas such as the hands or elbows, avoid broken or irritated skin, patch test the mixture first and rinse it off thoroughly. Stop using it if you experience burning, redness or discomfort.

When caring for mature-looking skin, choose gentle products designed to complement your regular daily skincare routine.

How To Store Lemon Peel

Fresh lemon peel is best used shortly after it is removed from the fruit. If you want to save it for later, you can:

• Refrigerate fresh zest in an airtight container for a few days.
• Freeze zest in a sealed freezer-safe container.
• Dry the peel completely before storing it in an airtight container.
• Label stored peel with the date so you know how long it has been kept.

Discard lemon peel if you notice mold, an unusual smell or signs of spoilage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lemon peel more nutritious than lemon juice?

Lemon peel and lemon juice have different nutritional profiles. The peel contains fiber and plant compounds that are not present in the same amounts in juice. This does not mean that eating a small amount of peel provides five to ten times the overall nutritional value of drinking lemon juice.

Do you need to use organic lemons?

Both conventionally grown and organic lemon peels can be used. Whichever type you choose, wash the lemon thoroughly under running water before zesting or eating the peel.

Can you eat the white part of lemon peel?

Yes. The white pith is edible, although it has a bitter flavor. It is often included when lemons are used to make marmalade or candied peel.

Can lemon peel help with weight loss?

No single food causes weight loss. Whole citrus fruits can form part of a balanced diet and provide fiber, but lemon peel should not be considered a weight-loss treatment.

Does lemon peel get rid of acne or age spots?

There is not enough reliable evidence to recommend applying lemon peel as a treatment for acne or age spots. Citrus can also irritate the skin and may cause a reaction when combined with sun exposure.

Can lemon peel be used on marble countertops?

No. Lemon is acidic and may etch or damage marble, granite and other natural stone surfaces. Follow the surface manufacturer's cleaning instructions instead.

Sources

• USDA FoodData Central
• USDA SNAP-Ed Connection: Lemons
• Cleveland Clinic: Benefits of Lemons
• Poison Control: Citrus Juice, Sun Exposure and Skin Reactions

Before throwing away your next lemon peel, consider saving the zest, freezing it for another recipe or putting it to work on a small cleaning job.