Don't Throw Away That Rind! 5 Lemon Rind Uses For You to Try Now

Before you throw out your lemon fruit, get the most out of your lemon citrus by trying out these 5 lemon rind uses today! Your health and home will thank you.

The cute little lemon tree you planted can produce up to 100 pounds of fruit by the time it is five years old.

Lemon fruit is great in family-favorite recipes like lemon bars and lemon chicken. Most countries have their own version of lemonade. Lemons also add a bright burst of flavor to any heavy, greasy food like fried fish.

Lemon juice isn't the only useful part of this fruit.

The lemon rind contains an antimicrobial oil. Harnessing the power of lemon oil for cooking and cleaning doesn't take much effort. 

Want to capture the power of lemon oil to use for yourself? Here are five lemon rind uses you can try out today.  

1. Lemon Household Cleaner

Lemon oil effectively destroys E. coli. Vinegar cuts through grease better than some chemical household cleaners. Combining the two creates a strong, safe antibacterial household cleaner.

How to make lemon cleaner in 5 easy steps:

• Place lemon rinds for 6-8 lemons in a large mason jar
• Fill the jar with white vinegar
• Set the jar aside for 2 weeks 
• Fill a spray bottle halfway with the infused vinegar
• Top off the bottle with water

2. Lemon Olive Oil

Looking for a way to make your basic vinaigrette more exciting? Use lemon olive oil instead of regular olive oil.

Cut the lemon rind into small pieces. Add them to your favorite olive oil. Let the mixture sit for at least 2 weeks to infuse. 

3. Potpourri Sachets

Lemon is an uplifting scent that can boost your mood. Hang sachets with dried lemon rind around your house to create a happier environment.

How to dry lemon rinds:

• Cut lemon rinds into small squares
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
• Spread the cut lemon rinds on the baking sheet
• Bake at 200* F for 20-30 minutes
• Let the dried lemon rinds cool 
• Stuff the lemon rind into small mesh bags or store in an airtight container for later use

4. Lemon Sugar Scrub

Need a quick gift? Use your lemon rinds to make a sugar scrub.

• Pour 2 cups of white granulates sugar or raw sugar into a mixing bowl
• Add in 1-2 tablespoons of lemon zest
• Stir in 1/4 cup of coconut oil
• Pour the scrub into a jar 

Tip: Decorate the jar with dried lemon peels to make it festive!

5. Lemon Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is great for mixing cocktails or putting on cakes. This syrup stays good for 3 months if kept refrigerated. 

• Put 2 cups of sugar in a saucepan
• Add 2/3 cup of lemon zest
• Pour in 1 cup of water
• Simmer over medium heat until the sugar dissolves
• Let the syrup cool
• Strain the syrup into a jar and cover
• Store in the refrigerator

More Creative Lemon Rind Uses

These are only a handful of helpful lemon rind uses. You can create your own lemon rind recipes using these basic tips.

Lemon oil's antibacterial properties make it ideal for cleaning the kitchen. The strong scent from lemon rinds keeps your house smelling summer-fresh year-round. Also, lemon zest adds a bright note to your favorite savory dishes.

Try our seasonal citrus box while its available...the Craft Citrus Club!

Our Rio box is a 15-lb curated box of our fresh-harvested citrus from South Texas. The fruit is NOT gassed, rather it is tree-ripened. Our season runs from Nov-May for oranges, grapefruit and mandarins.

Our Grande box is a 30-lb box of either fresh-harvested Rio Red Grapefruit or Sweet Oranges from South Texas.