{{Short description|Seasoning made from lemon zest and black pepper}}
thumb|right|250px|Homemade lemon pepper seasoning made by crushing lemon zest with black pepper grains.<ref>{{Cite web |title=File:Homemade lemon pepper.jpg |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Homemade_lemon_pepper.jpg |website=Wikimedia Commons |access-date=2025-09-11}}</ref>
'''Lemon pepper''' (also known as '''lemon pepper seasoning''') is a spice blend made from granulated lemon zest and cracked black peppercorns. The lemon zest is mashed with the pepper so that the citrus oil infuses into the pepper. The mixture is then baked and dried. Lemon pepper can be used on meats—particularly poultry—and pasta, although it was originally used primarily for seafood. It is also a popular flavor for chicken wings, especially in American cuisine.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe|url=https://www.seriouseats.com/lemon-pepper-wings-recipe|website=Serious Eats|access-date=2025-09-11}}</ref>
== History == Lemon pepper seasoning was commercially launched in July 1967 by William Shoffeitt, a product engineer based in Healdsburg, California. Shoffeitt developed the blend as part of his company, Shoffeitt’s Enhance Seasoners. His product gained regional popularity along the West Coast of the United States and was promoted at food trade shows and sold at major department stores including Sears and JCPenney.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Staff |title=Shoffeitt Debuts New Enhance Seasoning |newspaper=Healdsburg Tribune |date=1967-07-13 |page=6}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Staff |title=Local Man’s Seasoning Heads to Market |newspaper=Healdsburg Tribune |date=1967-08-03 |page=1}}</ref>
== Composition == While lemon zest and black pepper are the primary ingredients, commercial and homemade variations may include: * Salt * Sugar * Onion powder * Garlic powder * Citric acid * Natural or artificial lemon flavoring * Cayenne pepper * Other spices or preservatives
Homemade lemon pepper seasoning recipes vary widely and are often customized to taste.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning |url=https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/236875/homemade-lemon-pepper-seasoning/ |website=AllRecipes |access-date=2025-09-11}}</ref>
== Usage == Lemon pepper is commonly used to season: * Grilled or baked chicken * Pasta dishes * Grilled or baked fish (especially salmon or tilapia) * Roasted vegetables * Potato dishes * Popcorn and snack mixes
Lemon pepper chicken wings are a notable variant in American bar and sports cuisine, especially popular in cities like Atlanta.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta’s Obsession With Lemon Pepper Wings |url=https://www.atlantamagazine.com/drinks/atlanta-lemon-pepper-wings/ |website=Atlanta Magazine |access-date=2025-09-11}}</ref>
== See also == * Lemon chicken * List of spices * Seasoning
== References == {{Reflist}}
Category:Herb and spice mixtures Category:American condiments Category:Lemon dishes Category:Healdsburg, California