HOMEMADE LEMON POWDER

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Introduction

Lemon powder is made from dried lemons or lemon peels and ground into a fine powder. It captures the bright citrus flavor of fresh lemons in a shelf-stable form. This is a zero-waste recipe if you use leftover peels and is great for cooking, baking, and drinks.

Ingredients

4–6 fresh lemons
Water (for washing)
Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar or salt (for preserving color, optional)

Equipment

Knife
Vegetable peeler or grater
Baking tray or dehydrator tray
Oven or dehydrator
Blender, spice grinder, or mortar & pestle
Fine sieve (optional)
Airtight jar

Preparation

  1. Wash lemons thoroughly to remove wax and dirt.
  2. Dry them with a clean towel.
  3. Peel only the yellow outer skin (avoid the white bitter pith).
  4. Cut peels into small strips for faster drying.

Drying Methods

Method 1: Oven Drying

  1. Preheat oven to 50–70°C (120–160°F).
  2. Spread lemon peels on a baking tray in one layer.
  3. Dry for 2–3 hours, turning occasionally.
  4. Peels should be completely dry and brittle.

Method 2: Air Drying

  1. Place peels on a tray in a warm, dry place.
  2. Cover lightly with cloth.
  3. Dry for 3–5 days until crisp.

Method 3: Dehydrator

  1. Set dehydrator to 45–50°C (113–122°F).
  2. Dry for 6–8 hours until fully dry.

Grinding

  1. Put dried peels into a blender or spice grinder.
  2. Grind until fine powder forms.
  3. Sieve if needed for extra smooth powder.
  4. Store in airtight jar away from heat and light.

Storage

Store in an airtight container
Keep in a cool, dark place
Shelf life: 6 to 12 months

Uses

Season fish, chicken, and meat
Add to soups and sauces
Mix into sugar for lemon sugar
Add to tea or hot water
Flavor cakes, cookies, and bread
Sprinkle over salads or rice
Mix with salt for lemon salt

Benefits

Rich in vitamin C
Natural flavor enhancer
No preservatives
Reduces food waste
Strong antioxidant properties
Supports digestion

Optional Variations

Lemon-ginger powder (add dried ginger)
Lemon-mint powder
Lemon-garlic seasoning
Lemon-turmeric powder

Tips

Always avoid the white pith (bitter)
Dry completely to prevent mold
Use organic lemons for best quality
Do not overdry until brown

Nutrition (approx. per teaspoon)

Calories: 5
Carbohydrates: 2g
Vitamin C: small amount
Fat: 0g
Sodium: 0g

Conclusion

Homemade lemon powder is an easy, natural way to preserve lemon flavor for months. It is versatile, healthy, and cost-effective. Once you make it, you’ll find endless ways to use it in your kitchen.

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