How to Make Freeze Dried Lemons (3 ways!)

Learn to how to make freeze dried lemons with three different methods so you’ll never run out of ways to preserve the harvest!

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We are right in the middle of winter here on the homestead, and are living off of oranges and lemons (when it comes for fruit!) I love that citrus coincides with a fresh new start of the new year…it’s so fitting! All of the lemons are ready at about the same time, so we have a flush of them all at once.

Since lemons aren’t necessarily an eating fruit, I love getting creative with new ways to use and preserve them. We usually like to freeze the lemon juice to use throughout the year. Since we’ve had our freeze dryer, I have really been enjoying trying out new methods to put up the bounty! I have found three main ways that lemons do best when freeze dried: lemons slices, lemon powder, and lemon juice.

What you’ll need to freeze dry lemons

Depending on the method of freeze dried lemons you choose to make the tools needed will vary. For every method you will need:

• A sharp knife
• A freeze dryer
• A cutting board
• Container to store the lemons in mason jar, freezer bag, or mylar
• Oxygen absorber

Along with the above items, if you are making freeze dried lemon powder you will also need:

• A powerful blender
• Rolling pin, coffee grinder, or food processor

If you are making the freeze dried lemon juice you’ll also need:

• Lemon squeezer or juicer

How to Make Freeze dried lemon slices

1. Wash the lemon slices with a tablespoon of baking soda and warm water. This will remove any debris from the rinds before slices.
2. Dry the lemons.
3. Turn on your freeze dryer to allow the chamber to cool, while you slice the lemons.
4. Slice the lemons trying to keep the slices as even as possible. This will help them freeze dry at the same rate.
5. Lay the lemons on the freeze dryer trays.
6. When the freeze dryer is ready, load the trays, shut the door (making sure the valve is shut) and press start.
7. Let the freeze dryer run a full cycle.
8. After one full cycle, test the lemons. They should be completely dry. The slices should be crisp and not bend at all if you try to snap them in half.
9. If you are unsure whether they are dry or not, you can add more time.
10. When the lemons are finished, quickly transfer them to an airtight container with an oxygen absorber.
11. Store in a cool, dry, and dark location.

Freeze dried lemon powder

1. Wash the lemon slices with a tablespoon of baking soda and warm water. This will remove any debris from the rinds before slices.
2. Dry the lemons.
3. Turn on your freeze dryer to allow the chamber to cool down, while you prepare the lemon puree.
4. While the freeze dryer chamber is cooling, cut the lemons into 1-2 inch chunks. In small batches, puree the lemons (even the peel!).
5. Pour the lemon puree onto the freeze dryer trays. Spread it evenly with a spoon. Make sure to not to fill a tray to over the rim.
6. When the freeze dryer is ready, load the trays, shut the door (making sure the valve is shut) and press start.
7. Let the freeze dryer run a full cycle.
8. After one full cycle, test the lemon puree. They should be completely dry. The puree should be crunchy and not soft.
9. If you are unsure whether they are dry or not, you can add more time.
10. When the lemon puree is finished, break it up for storage.
11. You can break up the freeze dried lemon puree by using a food processor, coffee grinder, or even just crushing it with a closed freezer bag and rolling pin.
12. When the puree is turned to powder pour into an airtight container with an oxygen absorber
13. Store in a cool, dry, and dark location.

Freeze dried lemon juice

1. Turn on your freeze dryer to allow the chamber to cool down, while you prepare the lemon juice.
2. Cut each lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a mason jar or pitcher.
3. When the freeze dryer is cooled down, load the trays.
4. Carefully pull one tray at a time halfway to pour the lemon juice onto the tray. This will helps avoid spilling.
5. When the trays are full, shut the door (making sure the valve is shut) and press start.
6. Let the freeze dryer run a full cycle.
7. After one full cycle, test the lemon juice. It will significantly shrink down. It should be completely dry.
8. If you are unsure whether they are dry or not, you can add more time.
9. Once the lemon juice is dry, take a bench scraper or metal spatula, and scrape the freeze dried lemon juice from the tray.
10. Pour freeze dried lemon juice into airtight container with an oxygen absorber.
11. Store in a cool, dry, and dark location.

How to use freeze dried lemons

There are many uses for freeze dried lemons, here are some of our favorites!

• Drop some freeze dried lemon juice or slices, into some tea or ice water.
• Put a tablespoon of freeze dried lemon puree into muffins, cookies, or other baked goods to enjoy a lemony treat.
• Sprinkle onto ice cream!
• Put the freeze dried lemon juice into homemade whipped cream to make a lemon whipped cream. This would be great with strawberry shortcake or lemon curd cake!
• Rehydrate the juice for salad dressings, vegetable dishes, or any other recipe that needs lemon juice.
• Use the lemon puree to make homemade cleaning products

Freeze dried lemons FAQ

Can you freeze dry lemons?

Yes! Lemons can be freeze dried a variety of different ways. You can freeze dry lemons with or without the peel. It is an excellent way to preserve lemons and give them a long shelf life.

How long do freeze dried lemons last?

Freeze dried lemons can last 1-3 year if stored in a jar with an oxygen absorber, but if they are stored in mylar bags they can be stored for up to 20 years!

How can I make organic freeze dried lemon powder.

Start with getting organic lemons. They best source is right from your own backyard to ensure that they haven’t been sprayed with anything. Puree the whole lemons, freeze dry the puree, then grind the chunks into freeze dried powder.

You May Also Like:

Harvest Right Freeze Dryer Review (Extremely Honest)

How to Freeze Lemon Juice

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Freeze Dryer V. Dehydrator: Which is better?

How to Freeze Dry Eggs

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