Lemon peel
Lemon peel suppliers and sourcing guide
Lemon peel is the rind of the lemon (Citrus limon), much of it collected after juice extraction. It is washed, cut and dried into granules or powder, candied, or used to make lemon peel extract and cold-pressed lemon oil. Brands buy dried granules and powder for teas, seasonings, baking mixes and supplements, and candied or extracted peel for confectionery and flavors.
- Also known as
- Citrus limon peel · Lemon zest · Dried lemon peel · Lemon peel granules
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of lemon peel
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Granules
Dried lemon peel in cut sizes such as 1/8 or 1/4 inch for teas and seasoning blends.
Powder
Finely milled dried peel for baking mixes, rubs and capsules.
Candied peel
Peel cooked in sugar syrup, diced, for baked goods and confectionery.
Lemon peel extract
Extract of the peel in water, alcohol or glycerin at a stated strength for flavoring.
Organic
Peel from certified organic lemons, chosen to avoid postharvest fungicide and wax residues.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Moisture
- Loss on drying against the specification.
- Pesticide residues
- Multi-residue screen by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, including postharvest citrus fungicides.
- Volatile oil
- Volatile oil by distillation as a measure of aroma strength.
- Particle size
- Sieve analysis for granule or powder grades.
- Microbiology
- Total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms, E. coli and Salmonella.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store lemon peel sealed in a cool, dry, dark place, since its oil oxidizes and loses fresh aroma with heat, air and light. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and aroma, moisture and micro are the usual retests on older stock.
Lots and expiry dates
Color, oil content and residue profile change with origin and season, so record origin and harvest year for each lot and check aroma against a standard. Use older lots first.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 182.20 lists lemon peel (Citrus limon) among essential oils, oleoresins and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists lemon peel extract with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 182.20.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's aromatherapy essential oils monograph lists lemon essential oil from Citrus limon with fruit peel as the source part.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Lemon peel suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking lemon peel suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell lemon peel? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of lemon peel can brands buy?
Common forms include granules, powder, candied peel, lemon peel extract and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for lemon peel include?
Expect moisture, pesticide residues, volatile oil, particle size and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should lemon peel be stored?
Store lemon peel sealed in a cool, dry, dark place, since its oil oxidizes and loses fresh aroma with heat, air and light. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and aroma, moisture and micro are the usual retests on older stock.
What is the regulatory status of lemon peel?
21 CFR 182.20 lists lemon peel (Citrus limon) among essential oils, oleoresins and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists lemon peel extract with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 182.20. Health Canada's aromatherapy essential oils monograph lists lemon essential oil from Citrus limon with fruit peel as the source part.
More flavors, spices and essential oils
- Vanilla extractExtract of vanilla · Pure vanilla extract
- Vanilla beansVanilla planifolia · Vanilla tahitensis
- Vanillin4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde · Vanillic aldehyde
- Ethyl vanillin3-Ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde · Bourbonal
- Natural flavorsNatural flavoring · Natural flavour
- Artificial flavorsArtificial flavoring · Synthetic flavors
- CinnamonCinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) · Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese cassia)
- NutmegMyristica fragrans · Nutmeg seed
- CloveSyzygium aromaticum · Eugenia caryophyllata
- CardamomElettaria cardamomum · Green cardamom
- Black pepperPiper nigrum · Peppercorns
- Cayenne pepperCapsicum annuum · Capsicum frutescens
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