9 ways to turn lemon peel into a magical ingredient in the kitchen

Lemon peel is not only edible but also contains a pure aroma and high vitamin C content, becoming a popular ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.

Just a small amount of lemon zest will make a big difference to the overall flavor and aroma of the dish.

Here are some tips for using lemon peels in cooking and how to store them if you're not ready to use them right away.

Frozen lemon peel for recipes

Most recipes only call for a small amount of lemon zest, so it can feel wasteful to not use up the leftovers. In this case, try freezing them for later use.

If you don't have much freezer space, try peeling the lemon before using it, then freezing the zest.

Store in a ziplock bag to make it easier to crack the frozen shell. If you still have trouble, gently tap the bag with a hammer.

Dried lemon peel used in cooking

Another way to preserve lemon peels is to dry them. You can do this by cutting them into strips and letting them dry for 2-3 days, or by placing them in an oven at 200°F (100°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Store the finished product in a labeled glass jar and it will keep for up to three years. Dried lemon peels are commonly used to flavor a variety of dishes, but they work best in fruitcakes and teas.

Make lemon sugar

Lemon sugar is a creative way to add delicious citrus flavor to cakes, cookies, and other baked goods.

It's super easy to make and if you make a big batch ahead of time, all that delicious lemon oil will have more time to infuse the sugar.

To make lemon sugar at home, simply measure some sugar into a sealed container and add the peeled lemon directly into it.

Use the zest of one lemon for every 2 to 3 cups of sugar and stir until everything is well blended.

Cover the container for about an hour to let the oil dry, then seal and store it ready for when you need it.

Make lemon juice

If you need a sugar-free lemon flavor, you can also use lemon zest to make homemade lemon juice. This works well in savory dishes like marinades for poultry or fish.

Choose a jar that can hold ¾ of the lemon peel when packaged and place the peel inside. Fill the jar with 80 to 100% vodka or food-grade glycerin, then close the lid and shake well.

Place your jar in a dark cupboard for 4 to 6 weeks to allow the flavors to develop, shaking it every few days. This process may take longer if you are using glycerin.

Once the liquid has reached the level you like, strain the lemon zest and decant the liquid into a clean bottle.

Make salt, pepper and lemon

Lemon and pepper are classic seasonings for poultry and fish. This blend creates the perfect flavor to enhance a dish.

You can do this by sprinkling the zest of 5 large lemons on a baking tray and adding ⅓ cup crushed black pepper.

Spread evenly on a tray and bake on the lowest setting until the crust is completely dry.

Next, transfer the mixture to a spice grinder and blend until smooth, then mix in ¼ cup salt. Store in an airtight container.

Make an all-purpose cleaner

Lemon juice is a great natural cleaner. It cuts through grease, disinfects surfaces, and leaves everything smelling great.

To make an all-purpose cleaner from leftover lemon peels, try mixing them with white vinegar. Fill a glass jar with the lemon peels and vinegar, then leave it for two weeks to let the fungus grow.

Rinse the peels and fill half of the spray bottle with lemon vinegar. Fill the rest of the bottle with water, shake well to mix, and you have your own cleaning product, made from 100% natural ingredients.

Refresh your home

If you want your home to smell like fresh citrus, you can use leftover lemon peels as a natural room scent. (Photo: ITN).

Lemons have a wonderful, clean scent and if you want your home to smell like fresh citrus, you can use leftover lemon peels as a natural room scent.

Just place lemon peels in small pots around the house and your space will soon smell like a sun-drenched lemon garden.

Clean sinks and bathtubs

Baking soda with lemon peel is a natural cleaning solution. For a sparkling clean bathroom, sprinkle some baking soda in the sink or tub, then scrub with the cut side of a lemon.

These two ingredients create a chemical reaction that dissolves stains and water spots, while leaving your bathroom surfaces sparkling.

Remove odor from hands

If you cook a lot with garlic or onions, you know how hard it is to get the smell off your hands. No matter how hard you wash them, soap and water just doesn't seem to do the trick. But lemon peel can help.

All you need to do is rub the lemon peel on your hands, paying special attention to your fingers and nails, and your hands will always smell like fresh lemon.