Lemon juice is a versatile ingredient used in many recipes to provide bright, citrusy flavor. It can be used to make lemonade, marinades, salad dressings, and more. While fresh lemon juice is ideal, lemon juice concentrate can be useful when fresh lemons are unavailable.
But how much concentrated lemon juice equals the juice from one lemon? There are a few factors to consider when substituting lemon juice concentrate for fresh lemon juice.
What is Lemon Juice Concentrate?
Lemon juice concentrate is simply lemon juice with most of the water removed. The water is evaporated away through heating or freeze concentration, leaving behind a concentrated, intense lemon flavor and natural acids like citric acid.
This allows the lemon flavor to be condensed down into a small volume. Lemon juice concentrate is usually packaged in small bottles or frozen containers.
To use it, the concentrate is reconstituted with water according to the manufacturer’s directions. Once reconstituted, it can be used in recipes calling for lemon juice.
Factors That Affect Lemon Juice Yield
There are a few factors that affect how much juice you can get out of a lemon:
Lemon Variety
There are several varieties of lemons, and some produce more juice than others. The most common varieties are:
- Eureka – This is the most widely available variety. It has a textured skin and contains an average amount of juice.
- Lisbon – Smooth thin skin and very juicy.
- Meyer – Thin skinned and sweeter than other varieties. Produces less juice.
On average, Lisbon and Eureka lemons produce the most juice.
Lemon Size
Bigger lemons contain more juice than smaller ones. The average lemon is about 3 inches long. Larger lemons can produce more juice, while small lemons yield less.
Lemon Temperatures
Room temperature lemons will yield more juice than cold lemons straight from the refrigerator. Allowing lemons to come closer to room temp before juicing helps maximize the amount of juice extracted.
How Much Juice in One Lemon?
On average, one medium lemon yields between 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) of fresh juice.
Here are some more specifics:
- A small lemon (2-3oz or 57-85g) yields about 1-2 tablespoons juice
- A medium lemon (3-4oz or 85-113g) yields 2-3 tablespoons juice
- A large lemon (4-5oz or 113-142g) yields 3-4 tablespoons juice
So in most cases, you can expect around 1 tablespoon (15ml) of juice per ounce of lemon without the seeds and pulp. This can vary based on the lemon variety and size though.
How Much Concentrate Equals a Lemon?
For lemon juice concentrate, the conversion to fresh lemon juice depends on the brand. But in general:
- 1 teaspoon concentrate equals 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons concentrate equals about the juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon concentrate equals about the juice of 1 lemon
So if the average lemon yields 2-3 tablespoons of juice, then 2-3 teaspoons or 1 tablespoon of lemon juice concentrate is equivalent to the juice from one fresh lemon.
Reconstitution Ratios
The concentrate label should provide a reconstitution ratio. For example:
- 1:3 – Add 1 part concentrate to 3 parts water
- 1:5 – Add 1 part concentrate to 5 parts water
This ratio accounts for the fact that the concentrate is much more concentrated than fresh lemon juice. Adding water dilutes it back to a juice-like consistency for use in recipes.
Comparing Brands
| Brand | Reconstitution Ratio | Equivalent Fresh Juice |
|---|---|---|
| Real Lemon | 1:4 | 1 Tbsp concentrate + 4 Tbsp water = juice of 1 lemon |
| Lakewood | 1:3 | 1 Tbsp concentrate + 3 Tbsp water = juice of 1 lemon |
| Santa Cruz | 1:5 | 1 Tbsp concentrate + 5 Tbsp water = juice of 1 lemon |
As you can see, the exact ratio varies between brands. But the general rule is about 1 tablespoon of concentrate equals one lemon.
Benefits of Lemon Juice Concentrate
While fresh lemon juice has the most natural flavor, concentrate can be a handy alternative when lemons are out of season. Here are some benefits of using lemon juice concentrate:
Convenience
Lemon juice concentrate is easy to store at room temperature. It doesn’t require refrigeration or juicing fresh lemons, saving prep time in the kitchen.
Consistent Flavor
The flavor of concentrate is consistent since it comes pre-made. The lemon flavor won’t vary like it does with fresh lemons.
Shelf Life
An unopened bottle of concentrate stays fresh for over a year in the pantry. Once opened, it will keep for several months in the fridge.
Versatility
Lemon juice concentrate can be reconstituted as needed for recipes, marinades, lemonade, etc. It’s more versatile than having to juice fresh lemons each time.
Availability
Lemon juice concentrate is available year-round, while fresh lemons may go in and out of season.
Downsides of Concentrate
There are a few downsides to using lemon juice from concentrate vs. fresh lemon juice:
Milder Flavor
The flavor of reconstituted concentrate is slightly less vibrant than fresh squeezed juice. Some nuances are lost during processing.
May Contain Preservatives
To extend shelf life, some brands add preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium bisulfite. Check the label if you wish to avoid these.
Less Natural
Lemon juice concentrate is more processed and less natural than simply squeezing lemons. There’s some loss of nutrition too.
Not Suitable for Raw Consumption
Concentrate shouldn’t be consumed raw since it’s been heat-treated. Only reconstituted concentrate should be consumed.
Tips for Using Lemon Juice Concentrate
Here are some tips for cooking and baking with lemon juice concentrate:
Read the Label
Be sure to read the label for reconstitution instructions. Otherwise the lemon flavor may end up too strong by using too much concentrate.
Mix Well When Reconstituting
Whisk or shake the concentrate with water vigorously to fully dissolve the concentrate into the liquid.
Refrigerate After Opening
For best quality and freshness, keep reconstituted lemon juice concentrate in the fridge and use within a few weeks.
Enhance Flavor if Needed
You can add a pinch of lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract to boosted the flavor if it seems weak.
Use in Mild Dishes
The milder flavor of concentrate works well in dishes with other strong flavors like curries, stir fries, and seafood recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lemon juice concentrate the same as lemon extract?
No, they are different products. Lemon extract is much more potent and is not meant to be diluted like concentrate. Extract is used by the teaspoon to add flavor.
What is the shelf life of lemon juice concentrate?
Unopened lemon juice concentrate lasts 12-15 months. After opening, it will stay good for 4-6 months in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze lemon juice concentrate?
Yes, you can freeze both unopened and opened lemon juice concentrate. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Is lemon juice concentrate acidic?
Yes, it has a very low pH thanks to the natural citric acid and other acids. It’s more acidic than lemon juice thanks to the concentration process.
Does concentrate have the same health benefits as lemon juice?
Some benefits are decreased, but concentrate still contains antioxidants like vitamin C. However, it loses some nutritional value compared to fresh squeezed juice.
Conclusion
Lemon juice concentrate can be a handy way to keep lemon flavor on hand. In most cases, 1-2 teaspoons or 1 tablespoon of concentrate equals the approximate juice from one fresh lemon.
Be sure to check the label for specific reconstitution instructions based on the brand. And for maximum fresh lemon taste, use new-crop concentrate and store properly after opening.
