Citron is a fruit from which we often throw away a very important part. We are referring to the peel, which we have fixed as waste because it has no use. However, this belief is based on a certain ignorance. It is not just the pulp that is the usable part of the lemon. It is also its rind, which has many uses. When you discover them, you may have some qualms about why you threw away the peel so many times in the past when it could be put to such good use.
Citron bark can be used for:
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Body care
Cooking
Freshening cocktails and cold or hot drinks
Add a few pieces of bark to drinks to enrich the flavour. Use only those that have not been chemically treated.
Citron ice
Mix a little grated peel with water and fill the ice maker with it. When frozen, the ice cubes will be unique and lemon-flavoured.

Clean up
Household Cleaner
In addition to its fresh scent, lemon peel also has antibacterial properties that we use when cleaning the kitchen and bathroom. It makes a great cleaner that won’t put a strain on the environment or your wallet.
We will need:
- Lemon peel, dried or fresh
- Vinegar
- Jar with lid
- A spray bottle
Fill the jar with lemon zest and pour vinegar up to the rim. Cap and leave to infuse for 14 days. Strain through a cheesecloth or fine sieve. Dilute with water in a 1:1 ratio and fill a spray bottle. The result is an effective aid against bacteria, grease and limescale.
Repellent
Are you bothered by ants or other uninvited guests? Try relying on lemon peel and place it in areas of occurrence or possible intrusion such as window sills, thresholds, etc. Ants and other pests, including fleas and cockroaches, will no longer be present.
Kitchen cutting board
Even when we use it for cooking, it tends to harbour many bacteria. Wipe it with lemon zest or the aforementioned lemon-vinegar mixture after cooking to kill bacteria.
Fridge scents
Always put a few pieces of lemon peel in the corners of the fridge. Your fridge will always smell fresh. Remember to change the peel every week.
Scents in the bin
Put a few pieces of lemon peel in the bottom of the bag each time to eliminate unpleasant odours.
Body Care
Do you suffer from yellow nails?
Soak your nails in water to which you add lemon juice, or you can rub lemon zest on them straight away. Your nails will not only look good, but also shine beautifully.
Spa for your feet
You have problems with corroded or cracked skin on your feet and you don’t want to spend long hours on a pedicure. Do you suffer from foot odour? Treat them to a unique lemon bath Just add lemon zest to the bath and repeat at least twice a week. You will get smooth skin without unpleasant cracks.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lemon-peel