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Behind the Seasoning: Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper

Close up of Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper in a gold spoon

We added a blend of sugar, salt, and spices to our lemon and pepper base. In very small quantities, seeds and other spices add an incredible depth of flavor. The slight heat of ginger and chile, the earthy flavors of cumin and turmeric, and aromatic notes of cloves and cardamom balance our Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper.

You may think you know all of the ingredients just from the name, but sit back, as there is way more going on in this spice blend. The marriage of citrus and pepper has stood the test of time. But, like many all-purpose seasonings, lemon pepper is often used but rarely highlighted.

What is Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper?

Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper is the Savory Spice take on the classic lemon pepper spice. So, where did the name come from? Pyramid Peak is a fourteener (14,000+ foot mountain) located in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. The summit resembles a ragged square pyramid, so it is distinctive. The steep peak requires climbers to embrace boldness, so it seemed a perfect namesake for this big, flavorful seasoning.

What is in Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper?

We wanted to start with a clean slate, so the first step was to simplify. The first two ingredients were obvious: lemon peel and black pepper. We doubled up, using ground lemon peel and minced lemon peel as well as a finer powder and coarser grind of black pepper. This creates a robust lemon pepper base flavor. To that, we added citric acid, which boosts the bright, tart flavor of the lemon peel. Salt is a flavor enhancer, so that was added too. We added a blend of sugar, salt, and spices to our lemon and pepper base. 

In small quantities, seeds and other spices add an incredible depth of flavor. The slight heat of ginger and chile, the earthy flavors of cumin and turmeric, and the aromatic notes of cloves and cardamom balance our Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper. Each of these spices is strong and identifiable on their own; but blended together in small quantities, they create a perfect medley: sweet, spicy, bitter, and sour.

What is lemon pepper made of?

The most basic lemon pepper is made from lemon zest and black pepper. However, there are many other spices that can be added, making it a lemon pepper seasoning that is much more flavorful and complex.

Does Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper have lemons in it?

While the Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper doesn’t exactly have lemons in it per se, it is bursting with flavors from both powdered and zested lemon peel. We add a small amount of citric acid to further boost the citrusy flavor.

What is the difference between lemon pepper and lemon pepper seasoning?

Lemon pepper is exactly what it sounds like. The spice stays true to its name and combines lemon zest with cracked black peppercorns. However, lemon pepper seasoning typically includes salt and other spices. Since it’s a much more robust flavor than just lemon and pepper, lemon pepper seasonings are actually more common. 

Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper is considered a lemon pepper seasoning. You might not think there would be much more to add to the blend but there is a lot more going in a small sprinkle of this spice. The blend covers the bases when it comes to peppery, tangy, sweet, and aromatic notes. Our mix contains lemon peel, black pepper, salt, sugar, granulated garlic, fenugreek seed, white onion, turmeric, mace, thyme, coriander, cumin, ginger, cayenne, arrowroot, cinnamon, anise, cloves, and cardamom

Don’t worry about those other spices overshadowing the lemon and black pepper flavor. The two namesakes for the spice still stand out in each and every bite. The other spices lift up the signature flavor notes, creating a balanced blend. 

Pepper Chicken Wings with celery on a striped napkin

What does Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper taste like?

Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper tastes pretty similar to what it sounds like. The spice blend is peppery with tangy citrus notes. The blend is known for adding an excellent balance of flavors to whatever you are cooking. The peppery notes are complementary to the citrus tang. It’s a marriage of spices that sound like they shouldn’t work, but they pair very seamlessly. 

Is Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper hot?

Despite the pepper being the name of the spice, Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper is far from spicy. The pepper references ground black peppercorns, giving the spice blend a traditional peppery flavor rather than a hot and spicy flavor. While this blend does have a tiny amount of ground chiles, they simply provide a warmth that accents the black pepper and ginger. You won’t have to worry about your tastebuds catching on fire when adding this spice blend to your food. 

Lemon grilled shrimp with sauce

What is Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper used for?

What can’t Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper be used for should be the real question. The seasoning blend complements most cooking choices, making it a very versatile spice to have in your collection. The spice is great to add to chicken, especially as a dry rub. The blend also enhances the flavors of vegetables and eggs. It is also great to add to a marinade on steak or seafood. 

What can be substituted for Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper?

If you find yourself with an empty bottle of Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper, there are many substitutions that you can make to recreate the flavor in your cooking. Fine Black Malabar Pepper and lemon peel or zest will make for an excellent substitution in a pinch. 

If you feel like going the extra mile to recreate the spice blend at home, search through your spice cabinet for salt, sugar, granulated garlic, and granulated onion. Use an equal amount of each and add a small pinch of mild yellow curry powder if you want a little more complexity.

Does all lemon pepper seasoning have salt in it?

Yes, most commercially available lemon pepper includes salt. But we know that many of our customers might be looking for that distinctive zesty pepper flavor without the salt. Rather than just remove the salt (which is a flavor component of our Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper), we created a unique salt-free seasoning. 

Citrus Pepper Seasoning is a great replacement for lemon pepper if you are looking to cut back on your salt intake. Don’t worry about the lack of salt resulting in a lack of flavor. We’ve added orange peel for extra flavor as well as a little more onion and garlic to give a similar savory taste.

Where can I buy Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper?

Our store carries Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper in multiple sizes, so you won’t have to worry about running out any time soon. If you’d rather check out the blend in person, our store locator feature will guide you to a local market where you can see the spice up close and personal. 

Lemon Chicken Cacciatore

Recipes Using Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper

One of the best parts of Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper is just how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas on how to use the spice in your next cooking adventure. 

  • Lemon Chicken Cacciatore - Traditional chicken cacciatore gets a zesty lemon pepper upgrade. The tangy chicken will tickle your tastebuds in a good way. 
  • Citrus Marinated Shrimp Skewers - This recipe proves that simple and easy is sometimes the way to go. The zesty skewers will be on your plate and ready to go within 20 minutes. 
  • Black Pepper Chicken Wings - A perfect treat for game day. The dry rub of the lemon pepper will have you questioning if you should ever make buffalo wings again. 
  • Zesty Oyster Crackers - Move over popcorn! These zesty orange crackers are here to take your place. The bite-sized snacks will be hard to put down, they are that good. 
  • Tangy Lemon Bars - Lemon pepper isn’t just for savory cooking. Surprise your guest by adding the spice blend to the sweet treat.  

 

For more flavor inspiration, take a peek at our American Pantry section or All-Purpose Seasonings & Spice Rubs. Looking for more seasonings? Browse The Best Spices and Herbs For Seasoning Veggies.

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