Lemon oil is a great way to brighten your cooking and enhance the flavor of salads, dips, and bread. It’s also an energizing ingredient that can be used in bath products and skincare treatments. In addition, it can be a powerful natural cleaning agent that doesn’t contain the harmful chemicals found in store-bought cleaners.
The first step in making lemon oil is to wash and dry the lemons thoroughly, using a soapy dish towel or a clean kitchen cloth. This will help to prevent pesticides from being mixed into the oil and causing you to suffer the unpleasant side effects of pesticides, like a bad cough, breathing difficulties, or an allergic reaction.
Next, peel the lemons with a sharp knife, taking care to avoid the bitter white pith beneath. Once you have cleaned the lemons, grate them using a citrus zester or a paring knife. You should have enough lemon rinds to fill a large jar. You can use a canning jar or other type of glass container, but be sure it has a tight-fitting lid.
After grating the lemons, pack them snugly into the jar with enough oil to cover them. Seal the jar and let the lemons infuse in the oil for 1-2 weeks, shaking the jar at least once a day to prevent the peels from sticking together. Once infused, strain the oil and store it in an airtight container.
Once the oil has cooled to room temperature, add a few drops of lemon essential oil. Then, spray your kitchen counters and the surrounding area with this homemade cleaning solution. It will leave them sparkling, fresh, and free of toxic chemicals.
It can also be spritzed on your face or added to a bath for a relaxing and calming experience. It is great for soothing sore muscles and promoting a healthy skin tone.
Another great way to make lemon oil is to infuse it in olive oil. This is a much less labor-intensive process than creating it by cold-pressing.
Alternatively, you can infuse the lemon zest in olive oil and warm it gently over low heat to create a citrus-infused oil. This will result in a much more fragrant oil than the one prepared by the cold-press method, but it is less likely to keep as long because of its low temperature.
If you want a quick and easy solution for creating your own lemon oil, try making it in a double boiler. Just make sure to watch the pot and do not overheat the lemon oil, as this could cause it to burn or become bitter.
Once you have soaked the lemon peels in the oil for the desired amount of time, you can strain them and the excess oil will be your homemade essential oil. This can be used in your diffuser during the day or before bedtime, for aromatherapy purposes. You can also add a few drops to a spray bottle of water and use it as an all-purpose cleaning solution when you wipe down your countertops, baby high chair, or bathroom sink.