Repurpose Your Lemon Peels for Lemon Powder

LIFE WITH ZEST

Native to Asia and featured in many recipes ranging from bars to bistros, lemons are accepted as a natural essential to the culinary scene – with less natural beginnings. Though genomic studies suggest the lemon is actually a man made hybrid between bitter oranges and citrons, this functional fruit is now used more widely than its predecessors. From acting as the tangy twist in many classic drinks, to being served as garnish on glasses, these versatile products are known for hosting many health benefits, as they’re stocked with antioxidants, antibacterial properties, vitamins and fibre. While its juicy flesh is automatically associated with these qualities, one part that is often disregarded is the lemon peels.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Much like the rest of the fruit, the bright outsides of lemons are filled with plenty of benefits that contribute to its consumer’s health. Despite this, it is universal knowledge that it’s ill-advised to eat lemon peels on their own. While the fruit is well-recognised and well-loved for its citrus notes, the intensely herbal taste of its peels are undercut by its pith’s sharp bitter notes to deliver a conversely unpleasant flavour profile. Previously used in plenty as drink decor – whether twirled into garnish, infused into beverages, or ground into zest – these methods still entail the discarding of peels after the drink has been drained. However, with the recent rise of sustainable tricks and tips, lemon peels have started taking on new longevity that goes beyond being litter.

THE ALL-PURPOSE POWDER

From its infusion in drinks such as coffee and cocktails, or being blended into smoothies and juices, the beverage industry is breathing new life into formerly-discarded fruit peels. One of the ways to fully optimise the outsides of lemons, however, is through turning them into powder. Through dehydrating lemon rinds until completely dry, snapping the ribbons into smaller pieces, these are then ground into a fine powder to remove its acrid bitterness. With a subtly bittersweet, tangier note, lemon peel powder is as versatile as its fruit: acting as food seasoning for meat marinades and salad dressings, or introducing a unique texture and colour to drinks. Whether you need an extra twist to classic cocktails or a tasteful topping for baked goods, the appeal of lemon peel powder is endless in both function and flavour.