We were blessed this week with a bounty of fresh Organic lemons!
Whether you have a bag full of Fresh Organic Lemons in your Green Door veggie basket, or a tree full of lemons in your yard, here is how to preserve and use them. No more wasted lemons!
These brilliant ways to use up lemons will save you both time and money, and your kitchen will smell amazing.
Also check out this week's Green Door lemon recipes here
Are Lemons Healthy?
The health benefits of lemons are impressive, particularly in the lemon peel and lemon juice.
Lemon peel is one of the most beneficial parts of lemons because it has lemon oil. It helps with digesting fats and cleansing your lymphatic system (for when you’re sick with a cold or flu). It also has immune boosting properties and D-limonene which can help to fight cancer.
Lemon juice is one of the best sources of vitamin C which will helps boost your immune system. If you feel a cold coming on, start increasing your lemon juice intake. Lemon juice also helps reduce inflammation and that sour flavor can help detox your liver to cleans your body. Nutrition Source: Dr. Axe.
Freezing Lemon Slices:
If you wish to freeze lemon slices: rinse, pat dry and slice whole lemons into rings. Arrange them on a parchment or plastic wrap-lined baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer safe bag and freeze up to 3 months. Frozen lemon slices can be used in summer and winter drinks.
You can also preserve lemon slices in sugar but frozen will last longer.
How to Preserve Lemons
Canning lemons is a simple, thoughtful and inexpensive gift idea. Not, to mention, canned lemons are awesome with tea.
https://natashaskitchen.com/canning-lemons/
Freezing Lemon Zest:
Before juicing your lemons, you should zest them. Be sure to remove only the Zest (yellow outer skin) and not the bitter white pith underneath. The lemon peel/zest is so healthy and freezes beautifully. Zest the lemon then transfer to a freezer safe container or a mason jar with lid (loosely packed), then scoop it out and use in any recipe that calls for lemon zest.
Keeping the lemon zest makes it worthwhile to buy organic lemons, because non Organic lemons are waxed. You will want to remove the wax. Just another reason why Organic lemons are better!
Fresh squeezed lemon juice will keep in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks before it loses its vibrance and freshness. Cut zested lemons in half and use a lemon juicer to squeeze out the juice. Keep it in a glass mason jar and use in salsas, drinks or any recipe that calls for lemon juice.
It also makes the best Lemonade you’ll ever try! Here is our favorite lemon juicer.
Lemonade Recipe
Lemonade is so refreshing and timeless. It's so easy with just 2 ingredients! Once you try homemade lemonade, it...
Lemon Ice Cubes:
Pour lemon juice into an ice tray and freeze. Once frozen, ice cubes can be transferred to freezer safe ziploc bag and stored in the freezer up to 3 months. We love this spill proof ice cube tray from OXO. Add frozen lemon juice cubes to:
Lemonade (since regular ice cubes can dilute the flavor)
Your morning lemon water (see below)
Any recipe that calls for lemon juice (just thaw and use)
Is Lemon Water Good For You?
Lemon water and flavored water is one of the latest health crazes and it’s a good thing! People start their day with lemon water to hydrate, feel good, get a healthy dose of vitamin C and promote digestive health. Lemon water is just 8 oz of filtered water with 1/2 of a freshly squeezed lemon. You can also use a frozen lemon ice cubes and put that in a glass of water to save time.
Uses for Leftover Lemon Peels:
Once your lemons are zested and squeezed, you can still use the leftover lemon rind/peels:
Freshening up the Sink Disposal: throw in 2-4 at a time and run your garbage disposal with the water on until they clear.
Clean your Microwave: Place 4-5 squeezed lemon peels into a large measuring cup or bowl. Add 1 cup water and heat in the microwave 5 minutes. As soon as it’s done, remove the bowl and wipe down the interior of the microwave with a paper towel.
Refrigerate Un-Used Peels: place in a ziploc bag for up to 2 weeks and use them to clean the microwave and disposal as needed.
Source: https://natashaskitchen.com/what-to-do-with-lemons/