All About Lemons - Cooking Tips

Lemon Preparation | Lemon Recipes | Tips

Lemon Preparation

Preparation Tools | Cutting Slices and Wedges | Zesting | Juicing

Lemons have many uses but preparing them for use is fairly basic. It will generally involve, zesting, juicing, slicing or peeling. Some of the preparation tools and basic preparation methods are described below. Before preparing the lemons in any manner, they should be washed thoroughly to remove any dirt, bacteria, or pesticide residue that may remain on the surface.

Preparation Tools

Zesting Tools

	Paring Knife - The tip of the paring knife is used to cut thin strips of zest from the outer peel of the lemon.
	Vegetable Peeler - A vegetable peeler can be used to cut wide strips of zest from the outer peel. Strips can be cut vertically from one end to the other or by cutting strips around the lemon, starting at one end and working around and down towards the opposite end.
The strips removed by the vegetable peeler or knife can be used as wide strips or cut into thinner strips, depending on the intended use.
Grater - A metal grater can be used to produce fine particles of zest. The surface of the lemon is rubbed diagonally across the grater and the lemon turned often to avoid grating the layer of white pith.
	Citrus Zester - A zester tool can be used to remove fine strips of zest from the surface of the lemon. The tool is pulled across the skin to remove the fine strips, which can then be used as strips or minced to produce a finer zest.

Juicing Tools

	Citrus Trumpet - A tool used to extract the desired amount of juice from citrus fruits. This tool is screwed into the lemon and the outer rind is squeezed until the desired amount of juice flows out the spout of the extractor. This type of tool is also known as a juice extractor.
	Reamer - A hand tool that is typically used to extract juice from citrus fruits, such as oranges or lemons. This kitchen utensil has a fluted cone-shaped reaming end that is twisted into and against the meat of the fruit to release the juice. It is available in hard plastic, wood, or metal. The hand reamer is primarily made to extract smaller volumes of juice from fruits during food preparation.
	Hand Juicer - Hand juicers are generally built with a solid ribbed cone that is attached to a shallow bowl type base or it may be a separate piece that attaches to a base that is used for collecting the juice. The lemon half is pressed down onto the cone and turned manually. As it revolves around the cone, the pulp is crushed and the liquid flows into the bowl or holding platter below.
Citrus Press - This hand press is similar to a hand juicer in that it works with a cone to remove the juice. The fruit is place on the cone and then a press is forced done on the fruit, forcing the juice out with pressure rather than by a twisting motion. Electric Juicers - This machine works with a motor that turns the reamer as it extracts the juice. The half section of fruit is pressed down on the reamer and the motor starts the reamer rotating and continues rotating until the fruit is released. The juice flows into a pitcher or other holding container that is part of the juicer.

Cutting Slices and Wedges

Slices Wash lemons thoroughly before cutting. To create lemon slices, cut the lemon in half crosswise and then cut slices crosswise from each half. Cut the slices 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
To use as a garnish, cut the lemon slice from the center out to the edge, through the skin. Twist each cut end in opposite directions to form a lemon twist.
To dress up a flat lemon slice, cut little notches out of the outer peel in even intervals.
Wedges Wash lemons thoroughly before cutting. Cut lemons in half lengthwise. Cut each section lengthwise again to create wedges. Each lemon half can be cut into two or three wedges. The number of wedges cut from each half will depend on the size of the lemon and on the desired thickness of the wedges.

Zesting Lemons

Lemon zest is the yellow outer peel of the lemon, which provides an aromatic flavor that enhances the flavor of many foods. The white part of the peel beneath the zest is the pith, which has a bitter taste. When removing the zest from a lemon, care should be taken to not remove the white pith along with it. The zest can be removed as thick or thin strips, very thin strands or grated pieces. Shown below are some common methods used for creating zest.

Wash lemons thoroughly before beginning preparation. Lemon zest strips can be made by using the tip of a small knife and cutting vertical strips off the lemon. Be careful not to cut into the bitter pith layer.
Lemon zest strips can also be made by cutting vertical strips from the lemon using a vegetable peeler. The zest could also be removed in the same manner that you would peel an apple with the vegetable peeler. Start peeling at the stem end of the lemon and instead of cutting vertically, cut around the lemon, working down towards the blossom end.
Be careful not to cut into the bitter pith layer when cutting strips of zest from the lemon. If you do get some of the pith layer, use the tip of the knife to cut or scrape the pith from the zest strip.
The strips can then be used as is or they can be trimmed to thinner strips, depending on the intended use. To julienne, cut the strips lengthwise into the desired thickness.
To grate the lemon zest, rub the lemon diagonally against a metal grater, making sure to turn the fruit so that you are taking off the yellow part of the peel and not the white pith. Grating the lemon peel will produce fine pieces of zest.
A citrus zester can also be used to remove the zest from the lemon. The zester removes the zest in fine threads, which can be used just as they are or they can be minced and used as an alternative to grating.

Juicing Lemons

Lemon juice can be used to make a refreshing beverage by adding water and sugar to fresh lemon juice. It is also used to enhance the flavor of many dishes. It can be added to both sweet and savory dishes to provide a fresh flavor. Because of it high content of ascorbic acid, lemon juice is also brushed on fruits and vegetables that brown easily when exposed to air or it is added to water and the fruit is soaked in the acidulated water for a short period of time to prevent it from browning. Shown below is a common method of removing the juice from the Lemons.

The lemons should be room temperature or warmer before the juice is removed. This will make it easier to squeeze the juice from the fruit.
Warm lemons by placing in the microwave. First poke the skin of the lemon with a fork, being careful not to poke all the way through the skin to the flesh. Place the lemon(s) in the microwave on high for 20 to 30 seconds.
Lemons can also be warmed by placing them in a bowl and pouring boiling water over them. Allow them to sit in the hot water for 30 seconds.
After the lemons have been warmed, roll them on a solid surface using the palm of your hand. Roll until you feel the flesh softening.
After rolling the lemons, cut them in half crosswise. Place one half of the lemon on the juicer, apply pressure and twist the lemon to remove the juice. The juice can also be removed by squeezing the lemon by hand.
Remove all the seeds from the juicer once you have finished.
The extra pulp that has collected in the bottom of the juicer can be added to the lemon juice once the seeds have been removed, unless pulp-free juice is required. If it is necessary to use pulp-free juice, strain juice to separate any pulp that may have gotten into the juice.

Lemon Recipes

Candied Zest

Wash lemons thoroughly before beginning preparation. Trim zest from two lemons using a vegetable peeler. Cut wide strips, being careful to not cut into the pith layer below.
Cut strips lengthwise to create thin julienne strips.
Place julienne strips in a small saucepan and cover with cold water. Cook over medium heat until the water comes to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 6 minutes.
Remove from heat, drain strips and then return them to the saucepan.
Add 1/3 cup of water and 1/3 cup of sugar to the lemon strips in the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Continue to cook over low heat until the lemon strips turn translucent. The water and sugar should be starting to thicken. Cooking time will be approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
When done cooking, remove strips from the pan and spread out on a sheet of wax paper.
Separate the strips on the wax paper and allow them to cool slightly. Once they have cooled slightly, roll in sugar until they are well coated. Allow the candied strips to cool completely before storing in an airtight container or bag. Store at room temperature for 2 or 3 days.

Lemonade

The lemons should be room temperature or warmer before the juice is removed. This will make it easier to squeeze the juice from the fruit. Remove the juice from 8 to 10 lemons to produce 1 1/2 cups of lemon juice. See Lemon Preparation above.
In a saucepan, bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil and then add 1 1/2 cup of sugar.
Continue to cook over medium low heat until sugar has completely dissolved.
Remove from the heat and add 1 1/2 cups of fresh lemon juice. Stir to mix thoroughly and then allow the mixture to cool. The lemon syrup can be stored in the refrigerator until needed or it can be mixed with water to produce lemonade. Option: For additional flavor, add 3/4 tablespoon of grated lemon zest when adding the fresh lemon juice.
To make lemonade, add lemon syrup to 4 1/2 cups of water. Taste to test for sweetness. If necessary, add a little more water. Refrigerate until chilled or serve over ice.

Tips

Cooking | Cleaning | Health & Beauty

Cooking Tips:

• When cooking with lemon juice, if possible, add it at the end of the cooking time or after the dish has been cooked to minimize or prevent the loss of vitamin C.
• When cooking fresh vegetables, squeeze lemon juice on them to keep their colors bright.
• Prevent browning of fresh cut fruits and vegetables by dipping into a mixture of 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon lemon juice or by brushing fruits and vegetables with lemon juice.
• One pound of lemons equals approximately 4 to 5 medium whole lemons and 2/3 to 1 cup of juice. One medium lemon equals approximately 2 to 3 tbsp. of juice, 2 tsp. grated peel, and 7 to 10 slices.
• If only a few drops of lemon juice are required, poke a toothpick through the skin of a lemon and squeeze out the small amount needed. Insert the toothpick back in the hole and place the lemon in a plastic sealable bag. Refrigerate to use at another time.
• Another method that can be used to make lemons easier to extract the juice is to freeze them for 24 hours and then thaw in the refrigerator before juicing.
• To prevent lemon wedges from squirting juice in unwanted areas, pierce the flesh of the lemon wedge with a fork before squeezing.
• Cut down on the amount of salt used on your food by adding lemon instead to enhance the flavor of the food.
• For fluffier rice, add lemon juice to the cooking water.
• Lemon juice can be used as a marinade to tenderize meat.
• Use lemon juice in place of vinegar in salad dressings.
• When serving lemon halves with fish, tie the lemon in cheesecloth so that when the lemon is squeezed the juice will be extracted but the seeds will remain in the cheesecloth.

Cleaning Tips:

• For stains on Formica counter tops, squeeze enough fresh lemon juice over the stain to cover it and let soak for 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour. After soaking, sprinkle spot with baking soda and scrub softly. Rinse with clean water and dry.
• Clean copper items by sprinkling it with salt and then rubbing with the cut end of half a lemon. Rinse and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
• Freshen vacuum cleaner bag by adding baking soda and lemon peels.
• Freshen garbage disposals by running leftover lemon peels through the disposal and rinse with water.
• Remove food stains and odors from hands by rubbing with a cut lemon.
• To remove laundry stains from whites, mix 1 part lemon juice to 1 part cream of tartar and apply the mixture to the stained area. Let it stand for a few minutes and then remove with a wet sponge.
• To remove rust from a surface, sprinkle the area generously with salt and then squeeze fresh lemon juice over it. Allow this mixture to sit for several hours (over night if necessary). The salt and lemon juice mixture should draw out the rust stain from the affected area.
• For rust on washable clothing, apply salt and lemon juice to the rust stained area and then place it outside in the direct sunlight. Expose it to the sun until the stain disappears, keeping it moist with lemon juice during this time. When the stain has disappeared, brush the salt from the clothing and wash as you normally would.

Health and Beauty Tips:

• To use as a cough suppressant, mix 1 part lemon juice and 2 parts honey. Do not give to children under the age of 1 year.
• To soothe a sore throat, drink honey and lemon tea. It will have a relaxing effect on the throat and will also help to suppress a cough.
• Ease the effects of the flu by drinking hot water with honey and lemon added.
• Lighten dark spot on the skin by applying lemon juice to the darkened areas. Be careful applying lemon juice to the skin if it will be exposed to the sun because it can cause the skin to be photosensitive.
• To create highlights in your hair, add 1/4 cup of lemon juice to 3/4 cup of water, apply to hair, and then sit in the sun.