Ready To Bring A Little Sunshine Into Your Life?

Well then, take the lemon peels left over from your newfound gummy star addiction and whip up a skin brightening scrub, gourmet oil infusion, lustre boosting furniture polish or all-purpose cleaner! It’s a great chance to flex those expense-busting DIY muscles without investing a lot of time – and honey that looks good on everyone. Let’s get started, shall we? 

How To Make A Lemon-Oil Infusion

This basic oil infusion is so versatile you might just find yourself keeping a stash in the kitchen, bathroom AND living room! Unlike lemon essential oil, the flavor is very mild and blends well with herbs and spices. More on how to use it soon, but first here’s the “how to”!

Ingredients:

• Lemon peels, preferably organic
• Minimally processed olive or coconut oil* (where to find high quality oils)
• Optional flavorings if you’re making an oil to cook with: garlic and/or fresh herbs

*Olive oil is not recommended for the hot process due to oxidation. Though some olive oils can withstand heat, it’s because they have been intensively refined and no longer contain the micro-nutrients that make olive oil so good for us.

Hot Process Method (Super Quick)

1. Wash and dry lemons
2. Using a vegetable peeler, cut thin slivers of the yellow skin in long ribbons. (Or if you have a zester, use that!) Make sure not to peel off the bitter white pith, just the outside will do.
3. Place the peels in a small pot and pour in coconut oil until they’re just barely covered. Bring oil to a very light simmer for about 5 minutes, then set aside for a few hours to allow the oils to continue to meld.
4. Strain peels and pour oil into a jar. Store in a dark cabinet or the fridge.

Cold Process Method For Coconut Oil

Because this method does not use heat the enzymes and micronutrients are better preserved.

1. Wash and dry lemons.
2. Using a vegetable peeler, cut thin slivers of the yellow skin in long ribbons. (Or if you have a zester, use that!) Make sure not to peel off the bitter white pith, just the outside will do.
3. Pack peels tightly in a jar, then pour in just enough coconut oil to cover.
4. Place in a sunny window for 1-2 weeks, shaking every day.
5. Strain peels and pour oil into a jar. Store in a dark cabinet or the fridge.

Cold Process Method For Olive Oil

I prefer an olive oil infusion for salads, but because it’s so vulnerable to oxidation via sunlight I let mine “steep” longer in a dark cabinet to attains its distinct flavor. Like the cold process coconut oil version, this method preserves enzymes and micronutrients

1. Wash and dry lemons.
2. Using a vegetable peeler, cut thin slivers of the yellow skin in long ribbons. (Or if you have a zester, use that!) Make sure not to peel off the bitter white pith, just the outside will do.
3. Pack peels snugly in a jar, then pour in just enough olive oil to cover.
4. Seal tightly and place in a dark cabinet for 1-2 months, shaking every few days.
5. Strain peels and pour oil into a jar. Store in a dark cabinet or the fridge.

How To Use Your Lemon Oil Infusion

Skin Brightening Scrub

The alpha-hydroxy acids contained in lemon peels possess astringent and skin brightening qualities, making it a great base for this scrub!

When deciding whether to use unrefined sea salt or epsom salt for this recipe keep in mind that both are fabulous detoxifers with unique benefits. Sea salt infuses trace minerals, helps restore moisture balance in the skin, and possesses potent anti-microbial qualities that have been found helpful for acne.

Epsom salts, on the other hand, mostly contain magnesium, a mineral which it thought to improve sleep quality, prevent morning sickness in many cases, and is often used to treat migraines and depression. Use whichever you happen to have on hand, or mix them together!

Note: If you have acne be very careful not to tear the skin while gently using this scrub!

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup unrefined sea salt or epsom salt/magnesium flakes, finely ground (where to find unrefined sea salt, where to buy magnesium flakes)
• 1/3 cup your lemon-infused oil
• A few drops of essential oil if desired

Method:

1. If you’re using coarse ground sea salt or epsom salt, run it through a food processor or coffee maker until the granules are very fine (you don’t want to tear delicate skin).
2. Mix all ingredients in a clean jar and store in a cool, dry place.

To Use:

1. Step into the bath or shower, but before you turn the shower on spoon a little of the mixture onto a washcloth, exfoliating mitt or your hands.
2. Scrub all over in a circular motion, then rinse!
3. Pat skin dry and follow with moisturizer if desired (like this one, this one, or THIS one!)

As A Furniture Polish

Want to restore lustre to wood furniture? It’s easy! Just dab lemon oil on a cloth, rub on, and buff with a clean cloth! (Note: This polish may not be suitable for every type of wood finish. I haven’t had a problem with the furniture in my house but I recommend doing a test spot in an obscure area before applying

In The Kitchen

Drizzled over a bed of fresh greens with 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/3 cup chopped fresh thyme, 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary and a pinch of red pepper flakes (assuming with you start with 1/c cup lemon oil, of course!)

How To Make An All-Purpose Cleaner

This vinegar infusion is fantastic at cutting grease and makes a great disinfectant as well. To get started simply fill a clean glass jar with washed, chopped citrus peels and pour in vinegar until they are completely covered. Screw the lid on tight and let the jar sit for a few weeks (preferably in a sunny window) while shaking occasionally. When you’re ready to use it pour the mixture through a mesh strainer and store in spray bottle. Use to clean countertops and make bathtubs shine!

Other Uses For Lemon Peels

• Put them in the dishwasher – “They naturally and very effectively leave the dishwasher smelling fresh in between wash loads and the dishes smell divine too.” (This tip come from Dreamcatcher in the comments of this post)
• Make a scented humidifier – Throw them in a pot and simmer during the winter months to replace lost moisture from the air. You can do that with just water, of course, but I think the scent of lemon is especially cheerful that time of year.
  If your home suffers from dry heat in the winter, you can put lemon peels in a pot of water and simmer on the lowest stove-top setting to humidify and scent the air.”
• Make zest and freeze it for future cooking/baking projects
• Make lemon pepper seasoning – Here’s the recipe!
• Make candied lemon peel – The Urban Poser shows you how here!

What’s your favorite way to use lemon peels?