Lemon juice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some quick answers to common questions about lemon juice:
Cooking and Baking
Lemon juice can be used to add flavor to both savory and sweet dishes. Its bright, citrusy taste pairs well with fish, chicken, vegetables, pasta, rice, eggs, and more. In baking, lemon juice is commonly used in cakes, cookies, muffins, breads, and fruit desserts. The acidity of lemon juice can help activate baking powder and give baked goods a fluffy texture.
Marinades, Dressings, and Sauces
Lemon juice shines in marinades for meats and vegetables. The acid tenderizes meats and helps the flavors absorb. For dressings and sauces, lemon juice provides acidity to balance out rich or creamy ingredients. From salad dressings to honey mustard or aioli, a splash of lemon can really make flavors pop.
Drinks
Lemon juice adds refreshing flavor to water, iced tea, juice blends, and cocktails like lemonade, lemon martinis, or lemon drop shots. The citrus aroma and taste are a great complement to fruit juices or alcoholic spirits. Lemon juice is often used in detox water or as a pick-me-up shot first thing in the morning.
Cleaning
The natural acidity in lemon juice makes it a great cleaning booster. Lemon juice can dissolve stains, sanitize cutting boards, polish metal, and deodorize surfaces. Mix lemon juice with baking soda or vinegar for an effective homemade cleaning solution.
Health and Beauty Uses
From your pantry to your self-care routine, lemon juice provides many benefits for health and beauty. Its vitamins, antioxidants, and acids offer cleansing, healing, and wellness perks inside and out.
Immune Support
Lemon juice contains antioxidants and vitamin C which support immune function and can help ward off colds. Try adding lemon juice to hot tea with honey or diluting some in warm water to drink first thing in the morning.
Aids Digestion
The acids in lemon juice stimulate the production of stomach acids which help the body digest food. This makes lemon juice a great digestion aid. Drink diluted lemon water with meals or use lemon juice as a condiment in recipes.
Kidney Stone Prevention
Citric acid from lemon juice may help prevent calcium kidney stones. While results are mixed, studies show the acids help break down small kidney stones and limit new stone formation.
Freshens Breath
Lemon juice neutralizes odors and freshens breath. Add a few drops of lemon juice to a glass of water and gargle to kill bad breath causing bacteria. Drinking lemon water also helps remove toxins that cause odors.
Astringent Skin Treatment
Lemon juice contains alpha hydroxy acids that promote skin cell turnover. When applied topically, lemon juice tightens pores, fades scars, and exfoliates dead skin cells. Use diluted lemon juice on your face a few times a week for clearer, glowing skin.
Highlights Hair
As a natural bleaching agent, lemon juice lightens hair when applied and exposed to sunlight. For subtle sun-kissed highlights, spritz lemon juice and sit outside for 30 minutes before shampooing.
Household and DIY Uses
Around the house, lemon juice comes in handy for cleaning, removing stains, and DIY projects. The natural acid dissolves grime, whitens, deodorizes, and adds shine.
Remove Stains on Fruits and Vegetables
Rub lemon juice onto stained or oxidized produce like apples and avocados. Rinse after a few minutes and the stains will lift off.
Clean Cutting Boards
Disinfect and deodorize cutting boards by rubbing them with lemon juice before rinsing. The antibacterial acids kill germs and food odors.
Here is an example cleaning cutting boards with lemon juice:
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the surface of the cutting board. |
| 2 | Use a sponge or cloth to rub the lemon juice over the entire surface, allowing it to sit for a few minutes. |
| 3 | Rinse the cutting board thoroughly with water to remove lemon juice and grime. |
| 4 | Allow cutting board to air dry completely before using again. |
Whiten Teeth
For natural teeth whitening, rub lemon juice onto teeth before rinsing with water. Repeat 1-2 times per week for whiter teeth over time. The citric acid removes surface stains.
Clean and Shine Brass and Copper
To clean and shine tarnished copper pots or brass fixtures, rub lemon juice onto surfaces in circular motions. Rinse and dry with a clean cloth for bright, gleaming metal.
Freshen Garbage Disposals
Eliminate odors in the garbage disposal by pouring half a lemon down the drain and running the disposal. Lemon juice deodorizes and refreshes the drain.
Make Invisible Ink
For a fun DIY invisible ink, mix equal parts lemon juice and water. Dip a cotton swab or toothpick in the juice mix and write a message on paper. Let dry completely to be invisible. When ready, hold near a light bulb or heat source and the message will appear!
Cooking Substitutions and Conversions
In cooking and baking recipes, lemon juice can be substituted for other citrus juices. Here are some common lemon juice conversions:
Lemon Juice Substitutions
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice = 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice = 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice = 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (for activating baking soda)
Amount of Juice in Lemons
On average:
- 1 medium lemon yields 2-3 tablespoons juice
- 1 large lemon yields 3-4 tablespoons juice
Lemon Juice Equivalents
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice = 1.5 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice = 1.5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Bottled Lemon Juice Substitution
- 1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice = 1.5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Reduce other liquids in the recipe by 1/2 tablespoon for every 1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice.
Storing and Shelf Life
Like all citrus juices, lemon juice is best right after squeezing. But proper storage can extend its shelf life. Here are some lemon juice storage tips:
Refrigeration
For best quality, store fresh squeezed lemon juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Lemon juice can be frozen for longer term storage. Pour juice into ice cube trays or muffin tins, freeze, and store cubes in a sealed freezer bag. Frozen lemon juice cubes can be thawed as needed.
Canning
Lemon juice can be canned through a hot water bath method. This shelf-stable preserve stays good for up to a year sealed in sterilized jars.
Bottled Lemon Juice
Commercially packaged bottled lemon juice is pasteurized and vacuum sealed. Unopened, it will last up to a year in the pantry. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 6 months.
Signs lemon juice has gone bad:
- Mold develops
- Liquid becomes cloudy
- Unpleasant sour smell
Selection and Preparation Tips
Follow these simple tips for choosing lemons and juicing them at home:
Choosing Lemons
- Pick smooth skinned lemons without wrinkles or soft spots
- Opt for thin skinned lemons which yield more juice
- Heavy lemons with slight give when squeezed have more juice
- Meyer lemons have thinner skins and milder juice
Before Juicing
- Wash lemons and dry thoroughly
- Cut off ends and slice lemon into quarters
- Remove seeds with tip of a knife
Juicing Methods
You can juice lemons using:
- A hand squeezer or juicer
- Reamer tool or fork
- Electric citrus juicer
- Lemon press
Roll lemon back and forth while pressing to release the most juice.
Straining
For smoother juice without pulp, strain through a fine mesh sieve after juicing.
Common Questions
Can lemon juice be substituted for vinegar in recipes?
Yes, lemon juice can often be used instead of vinegar as an acidic liquid in salad dressings, marinades, pickling, and other recipes. Start with half the amount of lemon juice as vinegar called for and adjust to taste.
Is store-bought lemon juice as good as fresh squeezed?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice has the best, most vibrant lemon flavor. Bottled lemon juice works well for convenience but has a slightly artificial taste. Opt for not-from-concentrate juice and use 50% more than you would fresh juice.
How long does lemon juice last in the fridge?
In the refrigerator, fresh lemon juice will keep for 3-5 days in an airtight container. For several weeks of shelf life, freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays or muffin tins until solid, then store cubes in freezer bags.
What’s the difference between lemon juice and lemon extract?
Lemon juice is the pressed juice from lemon fruit. Lemon extract is a concentrated flavoring made from lemon oil and alcohol. While lemon juice gives real acidic lemon flavor, extract has more concentrated lemon taste without acidity.
Is lemon juice acidic?
Yes, lemon juice has a highly acidic pH, usually between 2 and 3. This acidity comes from the citric acid and vitamin C naturally present in lemons.
Can lemon juice ruin or stain clothes?
Being acidic, lemon juice can damage or discolor some fabrics or dyes. Avoid getting lemon juice on silk, wool, or any delicate materials. Test an inconspicuous area first and rinse immediately if accidentally spilled.
Nutrition Facts
Lemon juice is low in calories yet packed with beneficial nutrition including:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 6 per tablespoon (15ml) |
| Fat | 0g |
| Carbs | 2g sugar |
| Protein | 0g |
| Vitamin C | 10% DV |
| Thiamin | 1% DV |
| Riboflavin | 1% DV |
| Niacin | 1% DV |
| Vitamin B6 | 2% DV |
| Folate | 2% DV |
| Pantothenic Acid | 1% DV |
| Calcium | 1% DV |
| Iron | 1% DV |
| Magnesium | 1% DV |
| Phosphorus | 1% DV |
| Potassium | 1% DV |
| Zinc | 1% DV |
% DV = Percent Daily Value based on 2000 calorie diet
Conclusion
Lemon juice is a versatile citrus ingredient that can bring its fresh flavor and nutritional benefits to a wide variety of recipes and home uses. From salad dressings to laundry brightener, this tart juice has many handy applications. Just a simple squeeze adds the power of vitamin C and citric acid to boost health, flavor, cleaning, and beauty. Keep lemons stocked in the kitchen and fridge for a convenient way to add a little zing anytime.
