Fresh Arizona Lemons
Here are some tips for using lemons:
Juicing:
- Before juicing, roll the lemon back and forth on a hard countertop, using the heel of your hand. This crushed the juice cells within the membranes and softens the fruit.
- Remove the zest first to make it easier to squeeze the juice from the fruit.
- Heat the lemon in the microwave for about 25 seconds before squeezing.
- Always have fresh lemon juice: Cut lemons in half and place in a plastic bag in the freezer. Allow the lemon to defrost overnight before squeezing.
Zesting Lemons:
- Use a sharp vegetable peeler and make gentle sawing motions to peel away small strips of peel.
- Only grate the thin colored top coat of the skin to prevent bitter flavors.
- Zest just before using to get the strongest oils.
- The finely grated zest releases more flavor than larger strips will.
- Remove the zest from a grater by brushing off with a pastry brush.
- Grate the zest over a piece of wax paper to make it easier to gather the zest for measuring.
Other uses for lemons:
- Citrus Disinfectant – Add the peel to 3 c. white vinegar, in a clean quart jar with a lid. Store in cupboard for 2 weeks, shaking occasionally. Remove the peel from jar of vinegar, add 1 c. of the vinegar to 32 oz. spray bottle, adding water until filled.
- Lemon Oil Furniture Polish – 1/3 c. lemon juice, 1 c. olive oil. Mix in 16 oz. spray bottle. Apply to a soft flannel cloth or chamois, evenly over wood surface. Use another dry flannel cloth to buff and polish.
- Use as a meat tenderizer – squeezed over meat, lemon juice will break down tough fibers quickly and adds a citrus taste as well.
- Tough Toilet Bowl Cleaner – 1/3 c. lemon juice, 2/3 c. borax. Mix together to make a paste. Apply to tiolet bowl using a sponge or rag. Let the paste set for 2 hours, then scrub off. Flush toilet.
There are hundreds of uses for lemons. These are just a few that I hope are helpful to you.
Enjoy!
