If you’ve ever wanted to add a burst of citrusy brightness to your cooking without the mess of slicing or zesting fresh lemons, lemon powder is your new best friend. Just a pinch can completely transform desserts, marinades, salad dressings, or even a simple glass of water. Best of all — it’s incredibly easy to make at home.
Why Lemon Powder?
Lemon powder captures the tangy, aromatic oils from the peel and the fresh acidity from the juice, locking them into a shelf-stable form. It’s perfect for:
Sprinkling over cookies, cakes, or pancakes
Mixing into spice blends for chicken or fish
Adding to tea, lemonade, or cocktails
Brightening up salad dressings and dips
How to Make It
You’ll need:
Fresh lemons (organic if possible, since we’re using the peel)
A sharp knife or zester
A dehydrator or oven
A spice grinder or blender
Steps:
1. Wash & Prep: Rinse your lemons well. Peel them thinly, avoiding the bitter white pith. You can also slice them into thin rounds if you want to dry the whole fruit.
2. Dry:
In a dehydrator: Set to 95–105°F (35–40°C) and dry for 6–8 hours.
In an oven: Set to the lowest temperature, place slices or peels on a lined baking tray, and dry for 4–5 hours, flipping halfway. Keep the door slightly open for airflow.
3. Grind: Once fully dry and brittle, grind into a fine powder using a spice grinder or high-speed blender.
4. Store: Transfer to an airtight jar and keep in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Chef’s Tip
For an extra flavor boost, mix your lemon powder with a little sugar or sea salt to create a lemon sugar or lemon salt — perfect for rimming cocktail glasses or seasoning roasted vegetables.
With just a little effort, you’ll have a jar of sunshine ready to brighten any dish, any time. 🍋✨
