It has been the week of lemons for us. Thanks to my in-laws' prolific tree, we brought back a bounty of Meyer lemons from our California trip a couple of weeks ago. This led to a batch of Lemon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists, which disappeared faster than Donald Trump's presidential bid. From there we moved onto Grilled Lemon & Rosemary Chicken, which has earned a place in our summer grilling line-up.
My mum, who was here for a visit, set to work juicing the rest of the lemons, producing six cups of fresh citrus juice. She rummaged around for extra ice cube trays in our pantry and, using a small ladle, filled them with the juice. We now have lemon juice to last for the summer, which will help me avoid those extra trips to the store when I discover the lemons I bought two weeks ago are now shriveled specimens.
Now, I know some of you are thinking, "Why doesn't she just use the bottled lemon juice or the lime juice in those cute little plastic, squeezable limes?" This is where my "fresh is best" snobby side comes out. The side of me that can't palate bottled lemon or lime juice (or bottled garlic, for that matter) is the same side that flips out at house guests when they try to use my "day off" mug for their coffee. Seriously, my husband and I have special mugs dedicated to our weekend coffee and tea breaks, to be used only on the weekend...only by us. Now you really want to come and stay with us, don't you? Well, I may not let you use my mug, but I do promise to make you some great dishes fresh citrus juice.
How to do it:
To make the fruit easier to juice, roll firmly on the counter with the palm of your hand to loosen up the flesh. Cut the fruit in half crosswise and juice it using a handheld juicer, food processor attachment or whatever tool you happen to favor.
Using a small ladle or a small pitcher with a spout, pour the citrus juice into ice cube trays. Each standard-sized ice cube will contain about 2 tablespoons of liquid. However, I suggest measuring the capacity of your ice cube tray to be sure.
Freeze until solid. Juice will freeze to a stage that is slightly softer than regular ice cubes. Remove cubes from the tray and place in a freezer resealable bag.
When you are ready to use the juice, remove the number of ice cubes from the freezer that you desire and defrost them.
Recipes that use fresh lemon or lime juice:
Cookin' Canuck's Fish Tacos with Creamy Green Chile & Cilantro Sauce
Cookin' Canuck's Lime Squares with Gingersnap Crust
Cookin' Canuck's Avocado, Tomato & Cotija Cheese Salad
Kalyn's Kitchen's Pan-Fried Asparagus Tips with Lemon Juice & Lemon Zest
Herbivoracious' Lemon-Mustard Vinaigrette
101 Cookbooks' Lime, Grapefruit & Ginger Juice
How to: Store (Freeze) Lemon and Lime Juice
Ingredients
- Whole lemons
Instructions
- To make the fruit easier to juice, roll firmly on the counter with the palm of your hand to loosen up the flesh.
- Cut the fruit in half crosswise and juice it using a handheld juicer, food processor attachment or whatever tool you happen to favor.
- Using a small ladle or a small pitcher with a spout, pour the citrus juice into ice cube trays. Each standard-sized ice cube will contain about 2 tablespoons of liquid. However, I suggest measuring the capacity of your ice cube tray to be sure.
- Freeze until solid. Juice will freeze to a stage that is slightly softer than regular ice cubes. Remove cubes from the tray and place in a freezer resealable bag.
- When you are ready to use the juice, remove the number of ice cubes from the freezer that you desire and defrost them.
Ami
But what if some of limes are too sour or have become bitter. That may waste the lot.
Dara
Hi Ami, if you're concerned about that, I suggest juicing each lime separately and tasting the juice before adding it to the rest of the juice. That seems like your safest bet.
elziv
What a great idea ! I drink loads of lemon juice throughout summer time….Its the exceptional drink
Han Canto
Thank you for having the time to answer our questions
My pine can I use juice bottles to frieze the lemons Juise I use a lot of lemons and ice cubes it take a lot of space in the frizer when you put them in plastic. Bags spacial y a lot of Juice in one bottle of permanganate bottles they Transpernt and big
Thank you again
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Merl
Can I use frozen lemon juice to make Lemon Butter? Want to make for Christmas presents and may not have the lemons then! I am in Australia and have just founf this blog, very informative, Thank You.
drink lemon water
nice tips I've tried it and it works everytime!!
elainrm
My tree produced tons of lemons. I am jucing them with a juicer and freezing a cup of the juice in zip lock bags. I do have to remove the skin but it is worth it.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
You're right...the effort is definitely worth it. It's great to have all of that lemon juice during the year.