Quick Answers
There are many uses for lemon peels, including:
- Making lemon zest
- Using them in recipes
- Creating natural cleaners
- Repelling insects
- Improving skin and health
Making Lemon Zest
One of the most common uses for lemon peels is to make lemon zest. The outermost, yellow layer of the lemon peel contains lemon oils that provide intense lemon flavor and aroma. To make lemon zest:
- Wash and dry a lemon thoroughly.
- Use a zester, microplane, cheese grater or sharp knife to remove just the yellow portion of the peel.
- Avoid peeling off any of the bitter white pith underneath.
- Store fresh lemon zest in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Lemon zest can be used to add bright, citrusy flavor to desserts, seafood, roast chicken and vegetables. It’s a tasty way to add lemon flavor without the acidity of lemon juice.
Using Lemon Peels in Recipes
Beyond zest, lemon peels can be used whole or sliced in a variety of recipes:
- Candied lemon peels – Peels are simmered in sugar syrup to make a sweet, tangy candy.
- Lemon pepper – Dried lemon peels mixed with cracked peppercorns makes a seasoning rub for meat and fish.
- Lemon olive oil – Peels infused in olive oil lends lemon flavor to salad dressings, marinades and more.
- Lemon tea – Dried or fresh peels can be simmered in water to make lemon-scented tea.
- Lemonade and lemon water – Peels add extra lemon flavor when steeped in chilled lemonade or water.
- Preserved lemons – Whole peeled lemons pickled in salt, lemon juice and spices are a Moroccan delicacy.
- Seafood dishes – Lemon peel adds bright flavor when simmered in broth for fish, shellfish stews and risottos.
- Baked goods – From cakes to cookies, lemon peel provides flavor and zest to all kinds of baked desserts.
When using lemon peels, avoid any white pith which can be bitter. The colorful outer peel imparts the best flavor.
Making Natural Cleaners
Lemon peels contain d-limonene, a compound that gives lemons their fresh scent. This compound has natural cleansing properties. Simmering lemon peels in water produces a liquid cleaner that can be used to:
- Clean greasy kitchen surfaces – stovetops, exhaust fan filters, etc.
- Remove stains from tea and coffee mugs.
- Clean microwaves – simmer peels in water in the microwave, then wipe away grime.
- Freshen smelly disposal and refrigerators.
- Polish chrome and stainless steel.
- Clean wooden cutting boards and butcher blocks.
Lemon peel cleaners are inexpensive, non-toxic and earth-friendly compared to commercial cleaners.
Repelling Insects
Insects don’t like the strong scent of lemons. Simmering lemon peels in water and allowing the mixture to cool releases the peel’s essential oils into the air. This natural insect repellent can be used to:
- Deter ants, roaches and fleas – wipe surfaces with the cooled lemon water.
- Repel mosquitos – allow peels to steep in a pot of water outdoors.
- Keep wasps away – squeeze peels and rub the oil and juices near problem areas.
- Freshen garbage cans – drop a few peels in the bottom under the bag.
- Deter garden pests – bury peels around gardens and sprinkle peel juice on plants.
For a stronger bug repellent, steep lemon peels overnight before using. The lemon scent dissipates quickly so reapplication is needed.
Improving Skin and Health
Lemon peels promote skin and overall health in several ways:
- Vitamin C – Peels contain vitamin C, an antioxidant that builds collagen, fades dark spots and brightens dull skin.
- Exfoliation – Rubbing grated peel gently over skin helps slough off dead skin cells.
- Acne treatment – The citric acid in peels kills bacteria responsible for acne breakouts.
- Age spots – Applying lemon juice from peels lightens liver and age spots on the skin.
- Circulation – Massaging hands and feet with lemon peels boosts blood circulation.
- Immune support – Bioflavonoids in the peels strengthen immunity and fight viral infections.
- Digestion – Lemons stimulate bile production to aid digestion and mineral absorption.
However, lemon peels may cause phytophotodermatitis, a rash triggered by sunlight after contact with peel. Test a small amount of peel on skin first to be safe.
Other Uses for Leftover Peels
Before composting or discarding lemon peels, here are a few other possibilities:
- Scrub pans and stainless steel – Remove stuck on food by scrubbing with leftover peels.
- Start seedlings – Peels can nourish soil as seedlings begin to sprout.
- Feed compost pile – Peels add acidity and moisture to compost.
- Deter cats – Cats dislike the citrusy smell of peels. Set them near unwanted areas.
- Freshen garbage disposal – Tossing in lemon peels helps reduce odors.
- Clean microwave – Cook lemon peels in microwave until steaming and wipe away residue.
Storing Leftover Peels
To save peels for another use:
- Store fresh peeled lemons wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze grated zest in an airtight container for 4-6 months.
- Dry peels completely and store in sealed glass jars.
- Pickle peeled lemons in vinegar, salt and spices in sterilized jars.
- Juice lemons completely, dry peels, and freeze juice in ice cube trays with peeled cubes.
With all these uses, lemon peel is a versatile ingredient not to waste. A little creativity can give peels new life in the kitchen and around the home.
Conclusion
Lemon peels have a wide range of uses beyond basic flavoring. Their natural oils provide intense lemon aroma that can enhance various recipes. They also contain beneficial compounds that allow them to be used as a non-toxic cleaner, insect repellent, and health booster. Their bright, citrusy flavor pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes. With many applications around the kitchen and the home, lemon peels prove to be a versatile ingredient not to be wasted.