9 Surprising Uses for Lemons
Lemons are one of the most versatile fruits in the kitchen. Their bright, tart juice and zesty peel can be used in far more ways than just lemonade. Keeping a bag of lemons on hand unlocks all kinds of clever uses that can save time, money and add flavor to foods and drinks.
1. Freshen Up Fruit
To keep cut apples, pears and bananas from browning, brush the exposed surfaces with lemon juice. The acidity temporarily stops oxidation that causes discoloration. Lemon juice adds just a hint of flavor while keeping fruit fresh and appealing.
2. Sanitize Cutting Boards
Due to its antibacterial properties, lemon juice makes an effective cleaning agent for wood and plastic cutting boards. After use, simply scrub the board with half a lemon, rinse and air dry. The lemon kills germs left behind from raw meat and other foods.
3. Make Ice Cubes Clear
Cloudy, white ice cubes can ruin the look of a refreshing glass of iced tea or other beverage. Add a few drops of lemon juice to the ice cube trays before freezing to keep the cubes crystal clear. The acid inhibits mineral deposits that cause cloudiness.
4. Soften Brown Sugar
Over time, brown sugar tends to harden up into stubborn clumps. To quickly return it to its soft, spoonable state, stick a wedge of lemon into the sugar jar or bag overnight. The moisture from the lemon permeates the sugar so it regains its granular texture.
5. Clean Microwaves
The steam created by microwaving a lemon for 60 to 90 seconds loosens stuck-on food splatters inside the appliance. Once cooled, simply wipe down the interior with the juicy lemon half. Rinse clean and enjoy your sparkling microwave.
6. Lower Iron in Spinach
Cooking spinach in lemon juice allows your body to absorb significantly less of the mineral iron. This makes lemon juice a useful tool for people aiming to lower iron intake for medical reasons.
7. Make Buttermilk Substitute
When a recipe calls for buttermilk but you only have regular milk, lemon juice provides the tangy flavor needed. Simply add 1 tablespoon juice per cup of milk and let sit 5 minutes before using in baked goods, pancakes, biscuits and more.
8. Remove Gum from Hair
Gum stuck in hair can be nearly impossible to remove by brushing or combing alone. Work pure lemon juice into the gummed strands, let sit 5-10 minutes, then comb it out. The juice dissolves the gum so it combs out easily.
9. Peel Hard Boiled Eggs
After hard boiling eggs, soaking them briefly in lemon juice before peeling helps loosen the shells from the whites cleanly and easily. Just a quick lemon bath makes all the difference in getting the perfect peeled egg.
Tips for Getting the Most Juice from Lemons
To maximize the amount of juice you extract from lemons, follow these simple tips:
Roll and Press
Before juicing, firmly roll the lemon on a hard surface while pressing down. This loosens the pulp and breaks down some interior membranes so more juice can release.
Microwave Briefly
Heat whole lemons in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds right before squeezing. The warmth partially breaks down the lemon's internal structure so juice flows freely.
Use Room Temperature Fruit
Lemons stored in the fridge won't yield as much juice. Allow refrigerated lemons to come closer to room temp before juicing for optimal results.
Juice with a Tool
A simple citrus reamer, juicer or squeezer allows you to apply even pressure and get the most juice out of the lemon flesh. Hand squeezing can be haphazard and waste precious drops.
Selecting the Best Lemons
Picking ripe, juicy lemons from the store ensures your efforts aren't wasted on dry, sour fruit. Inspect lemons closely and choose those that are:
Heavy for Size
Heft lemons in your hand and go for ones that feel heavy, which indicates thicker rind and more juice inside. Light lemons tend to be dried out or rubbery.
Bright Yellow
Lemons turn more yellow as they ripen. Greener skin means underripe, less juicy fruit. Rich yellow color is a good ripeness indicator.
Smooth and Shiny
Avoid lemons with dull, dry-looking skin. The peel should be smooth and glossy rather than rough and mottled. Signs of decay include soft spots or green mold.
Firm with Thin Skin
Gently squeeze lemons to check for firmness. Ripe, juicy fruit will give just slightly. Thin skin also hints at higher juice content vs. thick-skinned lemons.
Storing Lemons
Follow these guidelines to keep lemons fresh and full of flavor:
Keep Cool, Not Cold
The ideal storage temperature for lemons is around 50 to 60F, or typical refrigerator temperature. Colder than that can damage membranes and diminish juice content.
Loosen Storage Bag
Plastic bags create humidity that quickens spoilage. Store lemons loose or in a partially open produce bag that allows air flow.
Use Within 2 Weeks
Like most citrus, lemons last about 2 weeks in the fridge before drying out. Their peel can last a bit longer. Juice lemons within a few days for best flavor.
Freeze Juice for Later
If you can't use up fresh lemon juice fast enough, freeze measured portions in ice cube trays or jars. Thaw as needed.
Lemon Recipes and Uses
Once you have a stash of fresh, juicy lemons, put them to use in these recipes:
Lemonade
Classic refreshing lemonade made properly with fresh lemon juice simply can't be beat on a hot day. Adjust the sweetener to taste.
Lemon Chicken Piccata
Chicken seasoned with lemon pepper and cooked in a pan sauce of lemon juice, butter and capers makes an easy, impressive dinner.
Lemon Blueberry Scones
Tender, lightly sweet scones studded with tart lemon zest and juicy blueberries - perfect with morning coffee or tea.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Sauteed shrimp baked with lemon, garlic butter, white wine and cheeses turns into an elegant, restaurant-worthy meal.
Lemon Bars
The classic lemon bar dessert combines a tangy, smooth lemon filling with a lightly sweet and crisp cookie crust.
Keep lemons within easy reach in your kitchen and you'll find more and more ways to use their incredible flavor and natural abilities in your daily cooking.
FAQs
How can lemons keep cut fruit from browning?
Brushing exposed surfaces of cut fruit with lemon juice temporarily stops oxidation that causes browning. The acidity preserves the fruit's fresh appearance and flavor.
What's the best way to get more juice from lemons?
Rolling and pressing lemons before juicing softens them up. Microwaving briefly also helps release more juice. Using a juicer or citrus tool extracts more vs. hand squeezing.
How do you know if a lemon is ripe and juicy?
Select lemons that feel heavy for their size and have rich yellow, smooth, shiny skin. Soft or light lemons will be dried out inside. Thin skin also signals higher juice content.
Can you freeze lemon juice?
Yes, freezing is a great way to preserve fresh lemon juice. Measure portions into ice cube trays or jars before freezing. Thaw cubes or portions as needed.
What are some ways to use lemons besides lemonade?
Lemons add bright flavor to recipes like chicken piccata, scones, shrimp, and lemon bars. They also have many non-cooking uses for freshening, cleaning, and peeling hard boiled eggs.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment