How to Freeze Citrus Zest and Peels for Baking or Cleaning

Freeze citrus zest by grating, spreading flat, and storing in bags. For peels, slice, freeze on a tray, then transfer to airtight containers. Use in baking, teas, or DIY cleaners. Keeps flavor for months and reduces waste!

Whether you’re a home baker or just someone who hates waste, freezing citrus peels and zest is one of the easiest ways to stretch what you buy. I started doing this years ago when I realized how often I was zesting a lemon for one recipe and then letting the rest of the peel go to waste. And those fragrant orange peels? They’re far too useful to toss in the trash.

Here’s how to preserve citrus zest and peels the right way—plus some of my favorite ways to use them.

🍋 Why Freeze Zest and Peels?

• Zest adds bright flavor to baked goods, marinades, and spice blends
• Peels can be candied or simmered in vinegar for DIY cleaning spray
• Freezing reduces waste and gives you access to citrus flavor year-round
• It’s quick and easy—done in less than 10 minutes

If you’ve already read my guide on freezing mandarin oranges, you’ll remember this method for freezing zest and peel as part of that process. But it works just as well for lemons, limes, and grapefruits too.

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✂️ How to Freeze Citrus Zest

Zest is the colorful outer layer of the fruit. It’s packed with essential oils and intense citrus flavor.

Step-by-Step:

1. Wash and dry the fruit thoroughly.
2. Zest using a fine grater or microplane.
3. Spread zest on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a thin layer.
4. Flash freeze for 30–60 minutes.
5. Transfer the frozen zest to an airtight container or freezer bag.
6. Label and date, then store in the freezer.

✅ Tip: You can also freeze zest in pre-measured teaspoon portions by placing it in an ice cube tray with just a drop of water, then transferring to a freezer bag once solid.

Zest will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months. The flavor stays strong and it’s ready to toss into muffins, cakes, vinaigrettes, or even roasted veggies.

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🍊 How to Freeze Citrus Peels

If you’ve already zested the fruit and are left with bare peels, don’t toss them! The peels can still be used in cleaning, teas, or even for making candied citrus peels.

Step-by-Step:

1. Peel the fruit using a sharp knife or veggie peeler (avoid the bitter white pith if possible).
2. Cut into strips or pieces that suit your future use.
3. Spread on a baking sheet lined with waxed or parchment paper.
4. Freeze until solid, then move to a freezer-safe bag or container.
5. Label with the type of citrus and date.

Peels will last up to 12 months and are easy to grab whenever you want to drop one into tea, throw them in a vinegar jar for homemade cleaner, or make your house smell amazing on the stovetop.

🔗 Related: The Best Containers for Freezing Every Type of Food

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⚠️ Zest & Peel Freezing Tips

• Dry thoroughly before freezing to prevent ice buildup.
• Use shallow containers or portioned bags to prevent clumping.
• Avoid freezing in open containers—air is the enemy.
  🔗 How to Prevent Freezer Burn

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🧁 How to Use Frozen Zest and Peels

Here are a few favorite uses for frozen zest:

• Lemon zest in muffins, scones, or pound cake
• Orange zest in cranberry sauce or sugar cookies
• Lime zest in guacamole or shrimp marinade

And some clever uses for frozen peels:

• Simmer in water with cinnamon for a natural air freshener
• Add to homemade cleaning vinegar
• Use in tea blends or mulled cider
• Candied peels for decorating baked goods or gifting

🔗 Related: How to Freeze Peanut Butter – another fun baking shortcut

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Final Thoughts

Freezing citrus zest and peels is one of the easiest prep habits to start—and one of the handiest when you’re mid-recipe and out of fresh lemons. It’s a small habit with big benefits, especially for frugal cooks, bakers, and natural cleaners.

Thanks for stoppin’ by!
—Anne

🔗 For more: Don’t miss my comprehensive article on Freezing Food the Right Way | A Complete Guide to Portioning, Packaging, and Preserving.

🔗 Also helpful:

• Foods You Shouldn’t Freeze (And What to Do Instead)
• Freezer Strategy | The 10 Do’s and Don’ts of Freezing Foods