Stop Throwing Away Lemon Peels: Try These Surprising Uses Instead.
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Before you toss those lemon peels in the trash, consider the many ways they can be put to good use. While most people think of lemon peels as waste, they’re actually packed with benefits for everything from cleaning to cooking to skincare. Not only can they freshen up your home, but they can also save you money by replacing costly household products. Here are several clever ways to use lemon peels to make the most of this often-overlooked part of the fruit.
All-Natural Cleaner
Lemon peels combined with vinegar create an excellent all-purpose cleaner that’s eco-friendly and non-toxic. The citrus oils boost the cleaning power of vinegar, while the fresh lemon scent leaves your home smelling great.
DIY Lemon Extract
If you enjoy using extracts in your recipes, lemon peels can be used to make your own lemon extract. Simply steep them in alcohol to create a fragrant and flavorful ingredient for cooking and baking.
Soften Hardened Sugar
Place a few lemon peels in your container of hardened brown sugar to soften it up. The moisture from the peel will naturally keep the sugar fresh and easy to use.
Air Freshener
Create a homemade air freshener by boiling lemon slices and rosemary sprigs. The delightful scent will permeate your home, leaving it feeling clean and revitalized.
Boost Your Compost
Add lemon peels to your compost bin to speed up decomposition and enhance the nutrient content of your compost, creating richer soil for your garden.
Deodorize the Garbage Disposal
Toss a few lemon peels into the garbage disposal to eliminate odors. The citrus oils will break down odor-causing bacteria and leave a refreshing scent behind.
Cocktail Garnish
Lemon peels make a beautiful and aromatic garnish for cocktails. Their zesty fragrance and bright color can elevate any drink.
Protect Your Plants
Scatter lemon peels in your garden to keep cats away. The strong citrus scent acts as a natural repellent without harming your plants.
Lemon Zest
A little lemon zest can make a big impact, both in flavor and nutrition, with just a simple grating. It’s an easy way to infuse your dishes with vibrant citrus notes, whether baking or preparing desserts. Best of all, no special tools are needed to zest a lemon—just a basic grater will do the trick.
Enrich Your Soil
Bury lemon peels around your plants to enrich the soil. As they decompose, they’ll release nutrients that benefit your plants and contribute to healthier growth.
Add it to Your Water
Add lemon peels to your water to give it a bit of flavor. This is a great way to spruce up your water and potentially allow you to drink even more. Lemon water is well-known for hydrating the body, boosting metabolism and promoting clearer, healthier skin.
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