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28 Lemon Hacks You Need To Know
Lemons: A Versatile Kitchen Essential
Lemons are not only a tangy and refreshing fruit, but they also serve as a versatile kitchen essential. Whether you’re using them as a cooking ingredient or for various household tasks, lemons offer a variety of uses that can make your life easier. In fact, did you know that California and Arizona grow 95% of the lemons in the United States? With approximately 50 different varieties of lemons available, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to incorporating lemons into your daily life.
Hack 1: Squeeze a lemon with a skewer
When it comes to juicing lemons, getting every last drop of juice without the pith or seeds can be a challenge. But there’s a simple hack that can make the process a breeze. All you need is a skewer. Start by rolling the lemon on a countertop to break up the cells inside. Then insert a skewer into one end of the lemon, being careful not to go all the way through. Move the skewer around to break up the flesh inside. Finally, hold the lemon over a cup with the hole facing down and start squeezing. You’ll be amazed at the steady stream of seed-free juice that comes out.
Hack 2: Use lemon slices for a barbecue
Grilling delicate fish can be a challenge because they tend to stick to the grill. To prevent this, try using lemon slices as a base for your fish. Simply slice the lemons and place them on the grill before placing the fish on top. The lemon slices not only provide a firm base, but also enhance the flavor of the seafood, giving it a subtle citrus flavor. This hack also works well for cooking fish in the oven.
Hack 3: Clean your oven with lemons
Cleaning the oven is often a daunting task, but lemons can make it easier and more enjoyable. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice a few lemons and place them in an ovenproof bowl filled with water. When the oven reaches the desired temperature, place the bowl of lemon water in the oven and let it warm for 20 minutes. Turn off the oven and let the bowl cool for a few minutes. The warm lemon water will work its magic, making it easier to wipe away burnt food and grease from the oven.
Hack 4: Cook with frozen lemon chunks
Fresh lemons and lemon juice are essential ingredients in many recipes, but they don’t always last long. To make sure you always have lemons on hand, make frozen lemon bites. Peel a few lemons and puree the fruit until smooth. Pour the pureed fruit into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the Lemon Bites to a resealable bag and store in the freezer. These frozen Lemon Bites can be used in smoothies, baking, cooking, and even drinks to add a burst of lemon flavor and extra nutrition.
Hack 5: Use your hand juicer more effectively
If you’re using a handheld juicer to extract lemon juice, there’s a simple hack that can maximize your juice yield. Before placing the lemon half in the juicer, make an extra cut on the rounded side of the lemon. This extra cut allows the juice to flow more freely when you squeeze the juicer, ensuring you get the most juice out of your lemons. Whether you’re juicing lemons for cooking or making refreshing lemonade, this hack will come in handy.
Hack 6: Eliminate Fish Odor with Lemon
Cooking fish can leave unpleasant odors on your hands, cutting boards, and countertops. Fortunately, lemons can help eliminate these fishy odors. Rubbing your fingers with a lemon wedge and a little salt can remove the smell from your hands. For cutting boards and countertops, use lemon rinds to rub them clean. The acid in lemons reacts with the compounds that cause the fishy smell, neutralizing the odor and leaving a fresh citrus scent.
Hack 7: Add a burnt lemon wedge to your cocktail
If you’re looking to add an intense lemon flavor to your cocktails, try this hack. After mixing your cocktail with lemon juice, lightly char a piece of lemon peel with a lighter. The charred lemon wedge can be used as a garnish, releasing a smoky and aromatic lemon essence that enhances the flavor of your drink. This simple trick can elevate your cocktail game and impress your guests with a unique twist.
Bottom Line
Lemons are not only a flavorful fruit, they are also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. From juicing lemons with a skewer to using lemon slices for grilling, from cleaning your oven with lemons to cooking with frozen lemon bites, these hacks will revolutionize the way you use lemons in your daily life. Incorporate these lemon hacks into your cooking and cleaning routines to get the most out of this citrus fruit. With lemons, the possibilities are endless, and you’ll discover new and creative ways to enhance the flavors of your dishes while simplifying your kitchen tasks. Embrace the power of lemons and unleash their full potential in your culinary adventures.
FAQS
Are lemons the only citrus fruit that can be used for these hacks?
While lemons are prominently featured in these hacks, many of them can be applied to other citrus fruits such as limes and oranges. Feel free to experiment and adapt the hacks to your favorite citrus.
Can I substitute bottled lemon juice for fresh lemons in these hacks?
While fresh lemons are ideal for these hacks due to their natural flavor and versatility, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute in certain cases. Just keep in mind that bottled lemon juice may not have the same freshness and vibrant flavor as freshly squeezed lemons.
How long can I keep frozen Lemon Bites?
Frozen Lemon Bites can be stored in a sealed bag or container in the freezer for up to three months. Be sure to label and date them for easy identification.
Can I use Lemon Bites if I have sensitive skin?
Lemon juice can be irritating to sensitive skin, so it’s recommended that you patch test before using lemon-based hacks on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, consider diluting the lemon juice or avoiding direct contact altogether.
Can I use the lemon hacks on all surfaces for cleaning?
While lemons are generally safe for cleaning various surfaces, it’s important to test in an inconspicuous area first, especially on delicate or porous materials. Avoid using lemon-based cleaning solutions on natural stone surfaces such as marble, as the acidity can cause damage.
Are there any precautions I should take when using lemons in the kitchen?
When using lemon zest or peel in cooking, be sure to wash the lemons thoroughly to remove any potential residues or pesticides. Also, when grating or zesting lemons, be careful not to scrape off the bitter white pith, which can affect the flavor of your dish.