How to Make Lemon Powder – Homemade Dried Lemon Zest

Lemon powder has all the vibrant, tangy goodness of fresh lemons but without the mess or waste. If you’ve ever struggled to keep citrus fruit from spoiling, or if you find yourself needing lemon zest or juice for a recipe but don’t have any on hand, homemade lemon powder comes to the rescue! Whether you’re adding it to smoothies, homemade salad dressing, baked goods, or even sprinkling it on your popcorn for an extra zing, how to make lemon powder is one of those “why haven’t I thought of this sooner?” things in life. 

The great thing about making your own lemon powder is that it’s a perfect way to preserve a lot of lemons when they’re in season, so you can enjoy that bright citrus flavor all year long. It’s so much more than just a sprinkle of citrusy flavor—it’s a way to add a little sunshine to your day and enjoy it in different ways, even during the colder months. It’s a great way to ensure you’re never without lemon flavor, even when fresh lemons are out of reach or season. 

So, today I’m going to walk you through how to make lemon powder. We’ll talk about why it’s worth making, and how to use it in your everyday cooking. You’ll also get some tips and tricks to ensure every teaspoon of lemon powder turns out perfect every time.

What Is Lemon Powder Made Of?

If you’re wondering, “What’s actually in lemon powder?” the answer is simple: lemons! More specifically, it’s made from fresh lemon zest and dried peels, which gives it that fresh, zesty flavor we all love. You might be thinking, “But what about the juice?” Well, lemon juice isn’t typically used to make powder, because it would require extra drying and could lead to a sticky mess. Instead, we focus on drying the outer peel, where all the essential oils and flavors reside. By dehydrating the lemon peel, you’re preserving all the amazing, tangy goodness without the hassle of dealing with fresh lemons every time you need some zest.

Is Lemon Powder as Good as Fresh Lemons?

Great question! While lemon powder doesn’t exactly replace fresh lemons in every single way (for example, you can’t use it to make lemonade), it definitely packs a punch when it comes to flavor. In fact, it’s often more concentrated than fresh lemons because it’s dehydrated and dried down to a powder form. This makes it perfect for adding to recipes where you need that bright yellow color without having to squeeze or zest a fresh lemon every time. Try using it in my Lemon Drizzle Cake, it’s delicious! Lemon powder also keeps longer than fresh lemons, so it’s an easy way to always have the natural flavor on hand when you need it.

How Long Does Lemon Powder Last?

Powdered lemons can last a long time if made and stored properly—up to a year or more! Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Your spice cabinet could be a great option. I like to use glass jars or small spice containers to store mine because they keep the powder fresh and sealed. If you live in a particularly humid area, you might want to add a little packet of moisture absorber and extend the shelf life. Just make sure to give your powder a sniff before using it—if it starts to lose its lemony scent or develops an off odor, it’s time to toss it.

How to Make Lemon Powder

Let’s get down to the fun part, how to make lemon powder at home! It’s easier than you think, and you don’t need any fancy tools or gadgets (although a dehydrator makes it a little easier). Let me walk you through the process step-by-step.

What You’ll Need to Make Lemon Powder

A fresh, organic bunch of lemons (as many as you want to turn into powder). Homegrown lemons are ideal, but store-bought works just as well. Just make sure you’re using unwaxed lemons. 

A vegetable peeler 

A food dehydrator or oven (you can use either, depending on what you have)

A food processor, coffee grinder or spice grinder (to turn the dried peel into powder)

Air-tight container or spice jars for storage

Tips and Tricks for the Best Lemon Powder

Choose organic lemons:.Since you’re using the dry lemon peels, you want to avoid pesticides and waxes. Fresh organic lemons rinds are ideal.

Dry thoroughly. Make sure the peels are completely dry before grinding. Any moisture will cause your homemade dehydrated lemon powder to clump or spoil.

Grind in small batches. Grinding small amounts of dried lemon peels at a time helps you get a finer powder without overloading your grinder.

What to Avoid When Making Lemon Powder

Avoid using the pith (the white part). The pith is bitter, so only use the zest (the outer yellow citrus peels) to make your powder.

Don’t skip the drying process. If you don’t fully dry the lemon peel, it won’t turn into a powder and will spoil quickly.

Avoid using too many lemons at once. It’s better to make small batches to ensure the good results and avoid food waste.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Dehydrating Lemons

Here’s how to make lemon powder, whether you’re using a dehydrator or an oven:

Using a Dehydrator

Prep the Lemons. Wash your lemons well and peel off the lemon rinds vegetable peeler.

Arrange the Peels. Lay the fresh lemon peel in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.

Dehydrate. Set your dehydrator to 130°F (55°C) and let it run for 6-12 hours until the peel is completely dry and brittle.

Grind. Once your peels are dry, grind them into a fine powder using a food processor, coffee or spice grinder.

Store. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Using an Oven

Prep the Lemons. Wash your lemons well and peel off the lemon rinds vegetable peeler.

Arrange the Peels. Lay the fresh lemon peel in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Dehydrate. Set your oven to 130°F (55°C) and let it run for 6-12 hours until the peel is completely dry and brittle. Leave the door slightly ajar to allow for sufficient airflow. 

Grind. Once your peels are dry, grind them into a fine powder using a food processor, coffee or spice grinder.

Store. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Whether you’re a busy mama looking to simplify meal prep or someone who loves experimenting with new flavors in the kitchen, making your own lemon peel powder is a must-try. So go ahead, make a batch, and let me know how you use it in your cooking!