Lemon rind is not only edible but also packed with a zesty aroma and high vitamin C content, making it a popular ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.

Just a small amount of lemon rind can make a big difference in the overall flavor and fragrance of a dish.

Here are some tips on how to utilize lemon rind in cooking and how to store it if you’re not ready to use it right away.

Frozen Lemon Rind for Recipes

Most recipes only call for a small amount of lemon rind, so you might feel wasteful if you don’t use the rest. In this case, try freezing it for later use.

If you don’t have much space in your freezer, try grating the lemon rind before using it, then freezing the grated rind.

Store it in a ziplock bag for easier breaking of the frozen rind. If you still have trouble, gently tap the bag with a hammer.

Dried Lemon Rind for Cooking

Another way to preserve lemon rind is by drying it. You can do this by cutting it into strips and air-drying it for 2-3 days or placing it in the oven at 200°F (93°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Store the dried rind in a labeled glass jar, and it can last up to three years. Dried lemon rind is commonly used to flavor various dishes, but it works best in fruit cakes and tea.

Make Lemon Sugar

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

It’s incredibly easy to make, and if you prepare a large batch in advance, all those delicious lemon oils will have more time to infuse the sugar.

To make lemon sugar at home, simply measure some sugar into an airtight container and grate lemon rind directly into it.

Use the rind of one lemon for every 2 to 3 cups of sugar, and stir until everything is well combined.

Let it sit for about an hour to allow the oils to dry, then seal and store it away until you need it.

Make Lemon Extract

If you need a sugar-free lemon flavor, you can also use lemon rind to make your own lemon extract. This works great in savory dishes such as sauces for poultry or fish.

Choose a jar that can accommodate ¾ lemon rind when packed and place the rind inside. Fill the jar with 80 to 100-proof vodka or food-grade glycerin, then seal and shake well.

Store the jar in a dark place for 4 to 6 weeks to let the flavors develop, shaking it a few times a week. This process may take longer if you use glycerin.

When the liquid has reached your desired strength, filter out the lemon rind and decant the liquid into a clean bottle.

Make Lemon Pepper

Lemon and pepper are a classic combination for poultry and fish. This blend creates the perfect flavor profile to enhance your dishes.

You can make it by sprinkling the rind of 5 large lemons onto a baking tray and adding ⅓ cup of crushed black peppercorns.

Spread it evenly on the tray and bake at the lowest temperature until the rind is completely dry.

Next, put the mixture into a spice grinder and grind it to a medium consistency, then mix it with ¼ cup of salt. Store it in an airtight container.

Make an All-Purpose Cleaner

Lemon is a fantastic natural cleaner. (Photo: ITN)

Lemon juice is a fantastic natural cleaner. It can cut through grease, disinfect surfaces, and leave everything smelling fresh.

To make an all-purpose cleaner from leftover lemon rind, try combining it with white vinegar. Fill a glass jar with lemon rind and vinegar, then let it sit for two weeks for the flavors to infuse.

Strain the mixture and pour the lemon-infused vinegar into a spray bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with water, shake well to combine, and you have your very own cleaner made from 100% natural ingredients.

Freshen Up Your Home

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

Lemon has a wonderful, clean aroma, and if you want your home to smell like fresh citrus, you can use leftover lemon rind as a natural room freshener.

Simply place lemon rind in small bowls around your home, and your space will soon be filled with the scent of a sunny lemon grove.

Clean Your Sink and Bathtub

Baking soda and lemon rind are a natural cleaning duo. For a sparkling clean bathroom, sprinkle some baking soda on your sink or bathtub, then scrub it with the cut side of a lemon.

These two ingredients create a chemical reaction that breaks down stains and water spots while making your bathroom surfaces shine.

Remove Odors from Your Hands

If you cook a lot with garlic or onions, you know how difficult it is to get rid of the smell on your hands. No matter how much you scrub with soap and water, the odor seems to linger. However, lemon rind can come to your rescue.

All you need to do is rub your hands with lemon rind, paying special attention to your fingertips and nails, and your hands will be left smelling fresh and lemony.

Source: GD&TD

Frequently asked questions

There are numerous useful and creative ways to utilize lemon peel. For instance, you can use it to add a citrusy kick to your dishes, either by grating it directly into your food or infusing it into olive oil for a unique salad dressing. Lemon peel can also be used to create natural cleaning products, as it has antibacterial properties. Simply add the peels to a spray bottle with vinegar and water for an effective, eco-friendly cleaner.

Lemon peel is packed with nutrients and offers various health benefits. It’s an excellent source of fiber, which aids digestion and can help lower cholesterol levels. The peel also contains high levels of vitamin C, which boosts immunity and improves skin health. Additionally, the citrus scent of lemon peel has an uplifting and energizing effect on the mind and body.

Yes, lemon peel has long been used in natural remedies. It can help soothe a sore throat when added to hot water, and the antibacterial properties can aid in fighting infections. Lemon peel is also said to improve oral health, reduce inflammation, and promote weight loss when consumed regularly.

Absolutely! Lemon peel can be used to create natural beauty products. It can be added to a face mask to brighten and exfoliate the skin, or infused into a hair rinse to enhance shine and lighten hair color naturally. The antibacterial properties of lemon peel also make it useful for treating acne and improving skin tone.

To maximize the freshness of lemon peel, there are a few storage methods you can use. One option is to freeze the peels, either whole or grated, in an airtight container. Alternatively, you can dry the peels and store them in a jar, grinding them as needed for recipes. Dried lemon peel can also be used to make a refreshing herbal tea.

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