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Lemon Peel Calories
Rich in vitamin C and fiber, contains antioxidants
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (medium) of Lemon Peel (6 g) has 3 calories. That works out to 47 calories per 100 g. It contains 1 g of carbs, 0.1 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0.6 g of fiber. Its 7.7 mg of Vitamin C covers 9% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 25 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
What is Lemon Peel?
Lemon peel is the aromatic outer skin of a lemon, used grated, finely chopped or in strips. The yellow zest gives a bright citrus fragrance, while the white pith underneath can taste bitter. It appears in baking and preserves around the world, and is also used to flavour drinks, sauces and savoury dishes.
A little lemon peel can lift cakes, biscuits, tea or a dressing without adding the juice’s sharp acidity. It is high in fibre and low in fat, though recipes usually call for only a small amount. Wash the fruit well before using the peel, and grate just the yellow layer when you want a cleaner, less bitter flavour.
Lemon Peel Nutrition Facts
Selected: 100 g
47
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
16g
· 6% DV
Protein
1.5g
· 3% DV
Fat
0.3g
· 0% DV
Fiber
10.6g
· 38% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 88% · Protein 8% · Fat 4%
Lemon Peel Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin C
129mg · 143% DV
B6
0.2mg · 12% DV
B1
0.08mg · 7% DV
B2
0.07mg · 5% DV
Minerals
Calcium
134mg · 13% DV
Iron
1mg · 6% DV
Potassium ⭐
160mg · 5% DV
Magnesium
13mg · 3% DV
How Nutritious Is Lemon Peel?
Nutrient density
Very high
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
High
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Lemon Peel Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Lemon Peel
To burn the 47 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Is Lemon Peel Processed?
NOVA 1
Unprocessed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Lemon Peel Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Lemon Peel Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Lemon Peel Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.04g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.02g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.03g
Omega 6:3 ratio 2:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
Compare Lemon Peel
Foods Similar to Lemon Peel
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Peel
Can you eat lemon peel raw?
Yes, lemon peel is edible raw and can be finely grated over salads, yogurt, or cooked dishes. Wash the fruit thoroughly first, and remove mostly the yellow outer layer if you want a less bitter taste.
How do you zest lemon peel without a zester?
Use the fine holes of a box grater, a vegetable peeler, or a sharp knife to remove the yellow outer layer of lemon peel. Avoid shaving off much of the white pith, which can make the zest taste bitter.
What is the difference between lemon peel and lemon zest?
Lemon zest is the thin, colored outer layer of lemon peel, while lemon peel can include the white pith underneath. Recipes calling for zest usually want the fragrant yellow layer without the more bitter pith.
Why does lemon peel taste bitter?
The white pith beneath the yellow surface is the main source of bitterness in lemon peel. Scrape or grate only the outer layer for a brighter flavor, and avoid prolonged cooking if the recipe is sensitive to bitterness.
How do you remove wax from lemon peel?
Scrub the lemon peel under warm running water with a clean produce brush, then rinse and dry it. This helps remove surface dirt and some residue, but washing cannot guarantee that every coating or residue has been removed.
Can you freeze lemon peel?
Yes, lemon peel freezes well. Grate or slice clean, dry peel, then freeze it in a sealed container in small portions. You can add frozen zest straight to batters, sauces, and other dishes without thawing it first.
How do you make candied lemon peel?
To make candied lemon peel, slice the peel into strips, briefly boil and drain them to soften the bitterness, then simmer in sugar syrup until tender. Let the strips dry before coating them with sugar or dipping them in chocolate.
How do you make lemon peel tea?
Steep clean lemon peel in hot water until the drink has the aroma you want, then strain it. Thin strips of the yellow outer layer give a less bitter infusion than pieces with plenty of white pith.
Can you use lemon peel instead of lemon juice?
No, lemon peel is not a direct substitute for lemon juice. Peel adds fragrant citrus oils, while juice supplies liquid and acidity; replacing juice with peel can change a recipe’s flavor and may affect how it cooks or sets.
Can lemon peel be used to flavor water?
Yes, clean lemon peel can flavor water. Add a thin strip of the yellow outer layer and let it infuse, removing it when the flavor is strong enough; leaving pith-heavy pieces in the water can make it taste bitter.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.