Instructions:
Wash the lemons thoroughly and dry.
Use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife to remove the yellow peel (zest) avoiding most of the white pith.
Cut the peels into uniform strips or pieces.
Pre‑heat oven to ~60 °C (140 °F) or use a dehydrator at ~50‑60 °C. Spread the peels in a single layer. Dry until completely crisp and brittle (~2‑4 hours in oven, longer in some cases).
Allow to cool completely.
Transfer the dried peels into a spice grinder. Grind in batches until you get a fine powder. Use a sieve to remove any large bits; re‑grind them.
If desired, mix in your optional salt or sugar.
Store in an airtight glass container in a cool, dry, dark place.
Use a pinch (1/4‑1/2 teaspoon) for flavouring desserts, or up to 1 teaspoon for bigger impact.
Recipe ideas using lemon powder
Lemon muffins: Add ½ teaspoon lemon powder to your batter in place of fresh zest for a uniform flavour without extra moisture.
Lemon sugar topping: Mix 1 tablespoon lemon powder + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar. Sprinkle over a sponge cake or cookies before baking.
Seasoned roasted vegetables: Toss roasted potatoes or carrots with olive oil + ¼ teaspoon lemon powder + sea salt + pepper before roasting.
Lemon‑pepper seasoning: Combine 1 teaspoon lemon powder + ½ teaspoon crushed black pepper + ¼ teaspoon salt. Use as a dry rub for chicken or fish.
Citrus tea: Add a pinch of lemon powder to your hot tea or iced tea; stir for instant citrus flavour without fresh lemon slices floating around.
Yogurt or smoothie boost: Mix a ¼ teaspoon lemon powder into plain yogurt with honey for a lemony snack.
Baked goods garnish: Sprinkle lightly over cheesecake, lemon bars, or cookies just before serving for extra aroma.
Benefits of this method
You reduce waste: you are utilizing lemon peels that often go into the compost or bin.
You have a shelf‑stable flavour booster you can keep in your pantry.
The flavour is concentrated so a little goes further.
It gives you flexibility: you’re not limited by fresh lemons only when they’re in season or available.
You get the brightness of lemon without adding extra liquid, which is helpful in baking where moisture must be controlled.
