You use lemon juice in cooking to add flavor, and it actually has been scientifically proven to enhance other flavors too. You use it in your cocktails, and you may even use it to clean up around the house, freshen the air, and more. But are you getting the most out of your lemons? Or, do you have that nagging feeling that there is more juice, but you just can’t squeeze it all out? Here are five tips on how to get more juice out of each and every lemon.
Store at Room Temperature
- The cold of a fridge makes the membranes in the lemon harder, and that’s why the juice is harder to get out.
- If you store lemons at room temperature, you will find they are softer to the touch, and should be easier to juice.
A Bowl of Water Method
- Fill a bowl with hot water from the tap – not boiling water. The bowl should be big enough, with enough water to completely cover the fruit.
- Plunk in your lemon(s) and let them sit for about 30 minutes.
- The lemon should feel softer and squishier to the touch.
- Now juice away.
Rolling Method
- This one is simple, just roll the lemon against a hard surface like your counter or a cutting board.
- Roll it firmly, but not so hard that you crush it, or the peel begins to crack.
- You’re helping to break down the membranes between the flesh, which will help you extract more juice.
The Microwave Method
- Heat the whole lemon in a microwave for 10 to 20 seconds. Do not cut it up first.
- It should feel softer when you pull it out, and you should find it gives you more of the juice when you squeeze.
Freeze + Microwave Method
- Freezing causes the membranes to expand but also to break.
- Once frozen, when you want to use the lemon, microwave for 30 to 60 seconds.
- It should feel warm – not hot – to the touch, and prove easy to juice.
Lengthwise Cut
- When you cut into the lemon to juice it, cut it lengthwise rather than around the middle.
- This exposes a larger surface and cuts into the membranes, making it easier to get out all the juice.
- It works best when you cut the lemon into three or four pieces – but cut it over a bowl so that you get all the juice that comes out.
The Fork Method
- Cut the lemon in half.
- Take a fork, and stick it into one half of the lemon as you squeeze it.
- Rotate the fork around the lemon half as you squeeze to help break up the membranes and release the juice.
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