No need for fancy equipment or special cooking skills: this recipe is as simple as boiling water! Here are the steps to follow.
-
Choosing the right lemons
Preferably choose untreated or organic lemons . Their skin is richer in aroma and free from chemical residues .
-
Prepare the zest
Wash the lemons thoroughly under cold water, then dry them. Using a vegetable peeler or a small knife, remove the skin, avoiding the white part (called the zest), which has a bitter taste .
-
Dry the bark
Three methods to choose from, depending on what you have on hand:
- In the sun : Spread the zest on a clean cloth in a well-exposed place for two to three days. Bring them inside at night to avoid humidity.
- In the oven : Place the peels on a baking sheet lined with baking paper and bake at 50°C (preferably using a fan oven) for about two to three hours. Leave the door slightly ajar.
- In the dehydrator : Set it to 45°C and let it dry for about five hours.
-
Reduce to powder
Once the peels are nice and crispy, blend them in a food processor or spice grinder. Blend until you get a fine powder. You can sift it through a fine sieve for a more even result.
-
Store with care
Pour the resulting powder into a small, airtight jar (like a spice jar) and store it away from light and moisture. It will stay fresh for several months.
A thousand and one ways to use lemon powder
It’s a bit like a magic ingredient in cooking: just a pinch is enough to transform an ordinary recipe into a tasty and fragrant dish.
- Sweet side : Sprinkle it on your cakes, muffins, creams or shortbread for a light but elegant tangy touch . A delight in a yogurt cake or a fruit tart !
- Savory version : It perfectly enhances marinades, fish dishes, risottos, or roasted vegetables. A drizzle of olive oil, a hint of lemon powder… and your vegetables take on Mediterranean accents.
- In your drinks : Infuse it into your herbal teas, add a pinch to a glass of fresh water or a homemade non-alcoholic cocktail for a refreshing note .
- For your homemade vinaigrettes : It goes very well with a base of mustard, honey, and olive oil. Perfect for livening up a somewhat bland salad !
In addition to being delicious, lemon powder adds a touch of sophistication . It might seem like a chef’s ingredient… but you made it yourself, and that’s even better!
