What does 1/2 lemon juiced mean?

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

When a recipe calls for “1/2 lemon juiced”, it means you should squeeze enough juice from half a lemon to equal the specified amount, usually 1-3 tablespoons. The exact amount will vary based on the size of the lemon. Juicing half a medium lemon will typically yield 1-2 tablespoons of juice.

What is Lemon Juice?

Lemon juice is a sour liquid made by squeezing or extracting juice from lemons. It is used as an ingredient in many dishes, drinks, marinades, and sauces to provide a fresh, citrusy flavor.

Some key facts about lemon juice:

Made by squeezing or extracting juice from lemons, which are a sour citrus fruit.
Provides a tangy, tart, sour flavor due to natural acids like citric acid.
An excellent source of vitamin C. Half a lemon provides about 30% of the recommended daily intake.

Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can help neutralize acids and balance pH in the body.
Used as a flavoring and accent in many savory dishes, desserts, drinks, marinades, salad dressings, and sauces.
Most commonly bought pre-bottled or freshly squeezed at home from lemons.

Juice from 1 medium lemon typically yields 2-3 tablespoons of juice.

Why Do Recipes Call for Lemon Juice?

There are several reasons why recipes call for lemon juice as an ingredient:

Adds bright, citrusy flavor – The sourness of lemon juice enhances other flavors and makes them taste fresher and brighter.

Provides acidity – Lemon juice offers a tangy acidity that balances and lifts other ingredients. It stimulates the palate in the same way as vinegar or wine.
Tenderizes meats – The acid in lemon juice helps tenderize tough cuts of meat and fish.
Prevents oxidation – Lemon juice is high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that slows browning and oxidation.

Cuts richness – The tartness of lemon cuts through fat and dairy, reducing heaviness in dishes.
Adds moisture – Lemon juice introduces liquid and moisture, improving the texture of baked goods.

Its unique sour-yet-bright flavor makes lemon juice a versatile, essential ingredient for well-balanced dishes. A small amount goes a long way in providing the perfect pop of citrus flavor.

How is Lemon Juice Measured?

When a recipe calls for lemon juice, it is typically measured in one of the following ways:

Tablespoons – 1-3 tablespoons is a common amount of lemon juice used in recipes. Example: “Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice.”
Teaspoons – For smaller quantities, lemon juice may be measured in teaspoons. Example: “Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice and a pinch of salt.”

Cups – For larger batches, lemon juice may be measured in cups. Example: “Add 1/4 cup lemon juice and whisk to combine.”
By lemons – Recipes may specify juice from a certain number of lemons. Example: “Squeeze the juice from 2 lemons.”
By fraction of lemons – Sometimes just part of a lemon’s juice is needed. Example: “Squeeze the juice from 1/2 a lemon.”

Measuring the juice by tablespoon, cup, or fraction of lemons allows for consistency across batches and accounts for variations in lemon size.

What Does “1/2 Lemon Juiced” Mean?

When a recipe calls for “1/2 lemon juiced”, it means you should squeeze half a lemon and use the resulting juice.

Specifically, this instruction is asking you to:

Take 1 medium lemon
Cut it in half or into two equal portions
Juice just one half, removing seeds first

Use the fresh lemon juice from that half in the recipe

The amount of juice yielded will depend on the size of the lemon:

A small lemon half may produce ~1 tablespoon juice

A medium lemon half may produce 1-2 tablespoons juice
A large lemon half may produce 2-3 tablespoons juice

So “1/2 lemon juiced” results in a range of 1-3 tablespoons typically. The important thing is using the juice from accurately half a lemon, regardless of exact size.

Why Use Half a Lemon?

Halving the lemon allows for more consistent results than squeezing an arbitrary amount. The recipe writer has determined that the amount of juice from half a lemon provides the ideal citrus flavor for the dish.

Using just half the lemon also prevents too much liquid or acidity from being added. The small amount of juice provides bright flavor without overpowering other ingredients.

Let’s compare juicing a whole lemon vs. half a lemon:

Whole Lemon Juiced	1/2 Lemon Juiced
– Yields ~3-6 tbsp juice	– Yields ~1-3 tbsp juice
– Provides more citrus flavor	– Provides moderate citrus flavor
– Adds more liquid to the dish	– Adds a smaller amount of liquid
– Increases tartness and acidity	– Contributes a balance of tartness

As you can see, juicing just half a lemon creates a lighter citrus flavor that brightens without overwhelming the dish.

How to Juice 1/2 Lemon

Juicing half a lemon is a simple process. Here are step-by-step instructions:

Wash and dry the lemon thoroughly.

Trim off any stem end or blossom end on the lemon using a paring knife.
Cut the lemon lengthwise into two equal halves.
Pick up one half and hold it cut-side down over a bowl.

Squeeze the lemon half firmly to extract the juice into the bowl, being careful to catch any seeds.
You can optionally use a hand-held citrus juicer or reamer tool to help extract more juice.
Repeat squeezing until no more juice comes out. Apply pressure on the rind and pulp to get all the juice.

Remove any seeds that fell into the bowl using a fork.
You now have approximately 1-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice!

The juice can be used right away or covered and refrigerated if preparing in advance. For maximum fresh flavor, juice the lemon half shortly before using.

Tips for Getting the Most Juice

Roll lemon on counter while pressing down before cutting to soften pulp and release more juice.
Microwave lemon for 10-15 seconds to soften before squeezing.
Cut lemon into quarters before squeezing to expose more flesh and juice pockets.

After squeezing halves, pick up spent rinds and twist to extract remaining juice.
Soak lemon half in hot water for 1 minute, then roll and squeeze.
Use a juicer or citrus reamer for easier extraction.

How Much Juice Does 1/2 Lemon Produce?

Half a medium-sized lemon will generally produce:

1 to 2 tablespoons of juice

Actual juice yield can range based on lemon variety and size:

Lemon Size	Juice Yield (1/2 Lemon)
Small lemon	~1 tablespoon
Medium lemon	1-2 tablespoons
Large lemon	2-3 tablespoons

As a general rule of thumb, here is how different lemon sizes equate in juice when halved:

Small lemon = ~1 tbsp juice
Medium lemon = 1-2 tbsp juice

Large lemon = 2-3 tbsp juice

So no matter what size your lemon is, juicing half should yield about 1-3 tablespoons to provide the intended flavor.

What Can I Substitute for 1/2 Lemon Juiced?

If you don’t have a lemon, there are a few suitable substitutions for 1/2 lemon juiced:

Lemon juice – For 1/2 lemon juiced, substitute 1-2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice.
Lime juice – Use the juice of 1/2 lime. Limes have a similar citrusy flavor.
White vinegar – Replace lemon juice with an equal amount of distilled white vinegar.

Bottle citrus juice blend – Use 1-2 tbsp citrus blend juice of lemon, lime and orange.

However, when possible fresh lemon juice is ideal for the brightest, most pronounced citrus flavor. Bottled juices lack the fresh-squeezed taste.

How is Lemon Juice Used?

Here are some of the most common uses for lemon juice in recipes:

Vinaigrettes and dressings – Brightens up oil-based vinaigrettes for salads and veggies.
Marinades and sauces – Balances flavor in chicken, fish, and meat marinades.
Baking – Moistens and adds flavor to cakes, muffins, scones, and breads.

Desserts – Provides a tangy accent in pies, custards, fruit desserts.
Beverages – Adds refreshing citrus flavor to lemonade, iced tea, punch.
Seafood dishes – Enhances flavor of shrimp, scallops, tilapia, and salmon.

Vegetable side dishes – Brightens up greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots.
Meat dishes – Tenderizes and marinates chicken, pork, and beef.

Lemon juice is endlessly versatile in sweet and savory recipes. Just a small amount can provide the perfect pop of bright, fresh lemon flavor.

Does Lemon Juice Go Bad?

Yes, lemon juice can go bad over time. Here is how long lemon juice lasts:

Fresh lemon juice – Lasts 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
Canned or bottled lemon juice – Lasts 6-12 months unopened or refrigerated.

Frozen lemon juice – Remains good for 6-12 months in airtight container in freezer.
Dried lemon juice powder – Lasts 1-2 years stored in a cool, dark place.

Signs that lemon juice has gone bad:

Mold growth
Fermented smell and taste
Cloudy appearance

Change in color

To maximize freshness, store lemon juice in an airtight container and keep refrigerated or frozen. Canned or bottled juice also lasts longer unopened.

Tips for Using Lemon Juice

Storing Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice lasts 2-3 days if kept refrigerated in airtight container.

Can be frozen for 6-12 months in freezer bags or containers.
Canned or bottled lemon juice lasts 6-12 months refrigerated after opening.
Dried lemon juice powder keeps 1-2 years in cool, dark place.

Getting the Most Juice from Lemons

Roll lemon firmly on counter before juicing to release more juice.
Microwave lemon for 10-15 seconds before squeezing.
Juice lemons at room temperature, not straight from fridge.

Use a juicer or citrus reamer for greater extraction.
Squeeze spent lemon halves to get all the juice.

Lemon Juice Substitutions

1-2 tbsp lemon juice = 1-2 tbsp lime juice

1 tbsp lemon juice = 1 tbsp white vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice = 1-2 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice = 1-2 tbsp citrus juice blend

Serving Size of Lemon Juice

1 lemon half = ~1-3 tbsp juice
Small lemon half = ~1 tbsp juice
Medium lemon half = 1-2 tbsp juice

Large lemon half = 2-3 tbsp juice

Conclusion

When a recipe calls for “1/2 lemon juiced”, it instructs you to squeeze half a lemon and use the resulting fresh juice.

Juicing just one lemon half provides the bright, moderate citrus flavor needed for balance without overpowering the dish. Half a medium lemon will yield about 1-2 tablespoons of juice on average.

Now that you know exactly what quantity is produced by 1/2 lemon juiced, you can seamlessly incorporate this tasty citrus accent into your cooking!