Lemon Juice Bright Tangy (Print version)

Tangy citrus juice perfect for enhancing drinks, dressings, marinades, and desserts.

# What you'll need:

→ Citrus

01 - 4 to 6 medium fresh lemons (to yield approximately 1 cup juice)

# How to make it:

01 - Rinse the lemons thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residues.
02 - Roll each lemon firmly on the countertop to soften and maximize juice extraction.
03 - Slice the lemons in half crosswise using a sharp knife.
04 - Use a citrus juicer or reamer to press and rotate each lemon half, collecting juice in a bowl while catching seeds.
05 - Optional: Pass the collected juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and excess pulp.
06 - Use the lemon juice immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

# Expert suggestions:

01 -
  • Nothing tastes quite like lemon juice you've freshly squeezed yourself, bursting with a brightness that bottled versions can't quite capture
  • It's the secret ingredient that elevates everything from simple greens to grilled fish, giving you the confidence to cook without a recipe
  • Once you master this, you'll find yourself reaching for homemade lemon juice in drinks, dressings, and desserts, and wondering how you ever lived without it
02 -
  • Room temperature lemons give up their juice far more generously than cold ones. I learned this the hard way, squeezing ice-cold lemons from the fridge and getting barely half what I expected. Now I warm them to room temperature first, or give them a quick 10 to 15 second microwave treatment if I'm in a hurry.
  • Straining makes all the difference. Without it, stray seeds and pulp bits float in your juice, and while they're harmless, they change the texture and elegance of whatever you make with it. That extra minute of straining is worth it.
03 -
  • Microwaving a lemon for just 10 to 15 seconds before juicing loosens the juice from the pulp, giving you a noticeably higher yield without compromising the flavor
  • Roll your lemons on the countertop with medium pressure before cutting them in half. This simple step alone can increase your juice output by as much as a third

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