The benefits of lemon peel: why you should never waste it

Much more than juice: the properties of lemon peel in comparison

Whether out of habit or false belief, many tend to discard lemon peels when using this fruit, preferring to use citrus juice. However, in addition to being a waste, the properties of lemon peel are many, especially compared to the juice. It is a real hidden treasure of nutrients that it is a shame not to take advantage of. Here are the secrets of lemon peel: properties, benefits and advantages!

A vitamin C powerhouse for your immune system

Among the properties of lemon peel, it is essential to mention vitamin C. Not surprisingly, it is the first nutrient that comes to mind when you think of lemon. However, few people know that the amount of vitamin C contained in lemon peel can be up to 10 times greater than that present in the juice.

But what are the advantages of this nutrient? It is an excellent aid for the absorption of iron contained in legumes and green leafy vegetables. In addition, it has an antioxidant role that fights free radicals and inflammation. To this it can be added that vitamin C plays an important function in supporting the immune system, as well as for wound healing and to ensure better digestion.

Finally, according to recent cancer studies, it is hypothesized that vitamin C may help prevent the onset of liver cancer , although these theories need to be proven. Clearly, the theory of balance is always valid and not to exaggerate with the consumption of any food, including lemons, to avoid unwanted effects such as stomach acid, damage to tooth enamel or irritation.

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Flavonoids and antioxidants: an ally against aging

In the list of properties of lemon peel it is also necessary to mention flavonoids and other antioxidant nutrients. As for the former, they are mainly found in the skin and have a predominantly anti-inflammatory role. However, like vitamin C, the flavonoids in lemon also have antioxidant properties that fight free radicals and aging.

In addition, lemon flavonoids act on the body by improving blood circulation and having a protective action on the cardiovascular system.

The science in the peel: what our untreated peels contain

But the properties of lemon peel are not limited to those related to vitamin C and flavonoids. In fact, untreated lemon peels contain other substances that benefit the human body: here are what they are.

The role of lemon: not just a scent, but a powerful anti-inflammatory

A first substance to mention is lemon: it is the component that gives lemon its unmistakable citrus scent. This molecule belongs to the terpene family and does not have the only characteristic of giving the typical scent to lemons.

In fact, among the properties of lemon peel, lemon is one of the nutrients that play an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying role, particularly with regard to the liver. In addition, studies are underway to verify a possible preventive function of tumor growth also in the case of lemon.

Fiber and pectin: the well-being for the intestine you don’t expect

That the intestine is one of the main beneficiaries of the use of lemon peel is nothing new. However, what components of this citrus fruit contribute to gut health? A prime example is fiber, which facilitates intestinal processes and the digestive phase. The intake of fiber is also a support for evacuation, allowing the purifying process of the intestine and its regularity.

Among the fibers contained in the lemon peel, pectin deserves a special mention. It is a substance that is actually present in greater quantities in the albedo, the white part between the peel and pulp of the lemon. Pectin promotes intestinal health, supporting the growth of benign bacteria and the reconstruction of intestinal flora. Finally, pectin also helps to reduce the absorption of cholesterol, lowering its level in the blood.

Lemon peel: properties and practical uses in the kitchen (zero waste)

Here are some tips for using lemon peel correctly in the kitchen, respecting and keeping its properties intact, in order to get the most benefit possible from it and avoid waste.

How to prepare a flavored oil rich in flavor and well-being

A great idea to enjoy the properties of lemon peel is to prepare a flavored oil. It is a simple use that allows it to be prepared in advance and maintained for a long time.

Ingredients for 250 ml of lemon oil:

• 250 ml of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 untreated lemon

Method:

• Wash and dry the lemon: since you have to use the peel, it is essential that the citrus fruit is not treated and that the peel is edible.
• Peel the lemon peel, taking care to avoid the white part (albedo).
• Dab the cut lemon peel and place it in the bottle intended for lemon-flavored oil.
• Add the extra virgin olive oil inside the bottle.
• Close the container and leave to infuse for 2 to 7 days when it is ready to be used.

Lemon peel powder: your secret flavor enhancer for sweet and savory

Another useful and simple recipe to make to benefit from the properties of lemon peel is the powder of the zest of this citrus fruit. It is a natural flavor, to be used to flavor sweet and savory dishes, giving them an extra boost. From meat to fish, without forgetting desserts, risottos and herbal teas, the uses of lemon powder are many: here’s how to prepare it.

Ingredients:

• Untreated lemon zest to taste

Method:

• Wash and dry the lemons to be used, remembering to choose untreated citrus fruits with edible peel.
• Peel the lemon zest avoiding the white part (albedo).
• Dab the lemon peels and let them dry at room temperature for a week, in the oven at 80° for 2 hours or in the oven turned off after using it.
• When the lemon peel is hard and dry, it will be ready to be used.
• Place the dried lemon peels in a mixer and chop finely.
• Transfer the lemon peel powder obtained into a jar with a lid, where you can store it for about a year .

Not only in the kitchen: the benefits of the peel for beauty and the home

The uses of lemon peel are really many and, as anticipated, go beyond the possible uses in the kitchen. In fact, lemon peel is also an ally for personal and home care: here are some useful tricks to take advantage of this true elixir of natural well-being in the name of recycling and sustainability.

A DIY beauty ingredient: purifying masks and scrubs

Among the ingredients for do-it-yourself beauty treatments, lemon zest is certainly not missing. In fact, the properties of lemon peel as antioxidants and detoxifiers are not only activated if taken. This is because, using lemon zest in skin treatments helps in the processes of exfoliation, purification and as a brightener, to counteract dull skin or to lighten and brighten the hair.

In particular, it is possible to make masks or scrubs for the face or body by inserting lemon among the ingredients. Depending on the uses and needs, various treatments can be carried out with lemon to ensure the health of the skin, hair and nails. For example, especially on hot summer days, lemon can be used as an ingredient in refreshing foot baths.

A 100% natural air freshener for your rooms

And if lemon peel is useful for personal care, it is also useful for cleaning the house. In fact, thanks to its whitening, degreasing properties and its intoxicating scent, lemon is often one of the key ingredients in DIY home care remedies.

In particular, it can be used together with vinegar to make a detergent that degreases thoroughly, or lemon peels can be rubbed on steel to polish it. Still rubbing lemon peels, it is possible to remove odors from cutting boards or pots, just as boiling the peels or leaving them in the refrigerator allows you to absorb bad odors.

Why choose to use the peel of Donna Fina lemons

Once you understand that lemon peel has very useful properties to exploit for your health and to avoid waste, it is important to clarify that not all lemons are the same. Considering that lemon peel has properties of great value for one’s well-being, precisely to avoid damage to health it is necessary to take care to use untreated lemons, such as those of Tenuta Donna Fina.

Edible peel: the guarantee of an untreated fruit

Our lemons are excellent for health and can be used in all the uses we have presented. In fact, the peel of Donna Fina lemons is 100% edible: this is because our products are not treated on the surface post-harvest, making it possible and safe to use their peel.

Concentrated in vitality and freshness, our lemons come from integrated agriculture and are harvested on the same day as the order. Grown in Sicily, in the land surrounding the Etna volcano which gives them distinctive organoleptic properties, Donna Fina lemons are unique and present themselves as real 360° wellness solutions, from health to aesthetics, without forgetting their value and versatility in the kitchen.

How to best recognize and store our lemons

To recognize a quality lemon, it is important to take into account several factors. The first is the skin, which must have a vivid color, without large dark spots. However, it is important that the rind has some imperfections as the opposite could be a sign of treated lemons. For this reason, our lemons have wrinkled, intense yellow peels but never look “perfect”, precisely because they are not treated post-harvest. In addition, our lemons are recognizable by their unmistakable fresh, intense and pleasant scent.

As for the storage of lemons, it is suggested to keep them in a cool and dry place, away from the sun. In this way, it is possible to keep them whole for about 15 days, while if they are cut in half they should be consumed after a couple of days closed in a container or wrapped in plastic wrap.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions on the properties of lemon peel