Can I use other citrus fruit besides lemons to make dried peel?

Yes, you can use other citrus fruits such as oranges, limes, or grapefruits to make dried peel. The process is the same.

Do I need a dehydrator to make dried lemon peel?

No, you can make dried lemon peel using an oven, air fryer, or by leaving it out to air dry. A dehydrator will speed up the process and provide consistent results, but it is not necessary.

Can I use a grater or a knife to make lemon zest instead of a zester?

Yes, you can use a grater or a knife to make lemon zest, but a zester will provide the finest and most consistent zest.

How do I know when the lemon peel is fully dry?

The lemon peel should be dry and brittle to the touch when it is fully dry. Thicker strips of peel may take longer to dry than fine zest.

How do I store dried lemon peel?

Store dried lemon peel in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to moisture or heat, as this can cause it to lose its flavor and spoil. Dried lemon peel can last for 6-12 months if stored properly.

How to Make Dried Lemon Peel

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Author: chefjar
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 1 tablespoon

Description

Learn how to make dried lemon peel (zest), a versatile ingredient to use in cooking, baking, and seasoning. It is a simple process that does not require a dehydrator.

Ingredients

Lemons, as needed

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Instructions

How to Zest a Lemon

Wash the lemon under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue. Dry it with a clean towel.
Take a zester or a microplane grater and hold it over a plate or a cutting board. Alternatively, you can use a vegetable peeler to remove strips of the lemon peel, and then chop them finely with a sharp knife.
Using gentle pressure, run the zester or grater over the surface of the lemon, moving it from top to bottom, taking care not to include the white pith, which is bitter.
Continue to zest the lemon until you have enough zest for your recipe. The amount of zest you need will depend on the recipe and your personal preference.

How to Dry the Lemon Peel

To dry the lemon peel, set your oven to the lowest temperature possible. There is no need to preheat.
Then, spread the lemon peel onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place it in the oven. The drying time will depend on the size of the zest, the amount of zest on the baking sheet, and the temperature of your oven, but it usually takes between 30-60 minutes for small zest pieces and up to 2 hours for larger strips to dry completely.

Equipment

Fine Grater

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Notes

Storage: Once the lemon peel has dried completely, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a resealable plastic bag. Store the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. If you have larger strips of zest, you can also wrap them in parchment paper and store them in the fridge or freezer for a longer shelf life.

Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Category: Cooking Tutorials
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 2.8kcal
Sugar: 0.3g
Sodium: 0.4mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0.6g
Protein: 0.1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Find it online: https://chefjar.com/how-to-make-dried-lemon-peel/