This 2-Minute Trick Makes Lemons So Much Easier to Juice and Zest

Make the most of your lemons with this simple-yet-effective hack.

We all know the saying: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or lemon chicken, chicken piccata, lemon cake, lemony cocktails, and so much more! The sky's the limit for these small-but-mighty gems. Whatever you choose, most people would agree that lemons are one of the most useful and versatile ingredients in the kitchen.

Whether it’s cooking sweet or savory recipes, lemons are a reliable and central component to bringing flavor into the kitchen. So why not make the absolute most of these little gifts of citrusy sunshine? Luckily, we’ve got a super simple tip for getting the most juice out of your lemons.

How To Make The Most Out Of Your Lemons

You need three things and just a few minutes to put this trick to work:

• Lemons

• A large bowl

• Warm water

Here's what to do:

1. Place the lemons in a large bowl.

2. Fill the bowl with enough warm water to completely cover the lemons.

3. Allow the lemons to sit for two minutes, until the skins feel warm, and then remove them from the water.

4. Dry the lemons with a kitchen towel and then roll them firmly on the counter before slicing, juicing, peeling, or zesting.

When To Put This Trick To Use

If you’re wondering if this tip only applies to lemons that are slightly aged, harder on the surface, and a bit more difficult to work with, the answer is no. This trick is useful and effective throughout all phases of your lemons’ lifespan! However, it’s worth noting that there may be a slight shift in timing.

Ripe Lemons

If your lemons are fresh and ripe with a peel that is soft and smooth, a couple of minutes in warm water and a bit of pressure against the countertop will be just enough to aid in extracting as much juice as possible from the lemon. It will also make the peels even more comfortable to work with. It will be as though you’ve just plucked a lemon from its tree which sits under the warm sun.

Aged Lemons

However, if your lemons have been sitting in the fruit bowl all week, they may have a dry, slightly rough exterior. Anyone who has ever tried to peel, zest, or slice a tough lemon knows that this can pose a safety hazard, as well. Prevent a struggle in the kitchen and potential injuries by following the steps above, but soaking your lemons for 15 minutes instead. The lemons will become less firm when squeezed, and the exterior will have a smooth and soft texture because the skin has loosened a bit.

More Tips For Optimizing Your Lemons

• Start with room temperature lemons. The colder your lemons are, the longer this process will take. Room temperature lemons will soften in just a few minutes, while ice cold lemons may take up to 30-40 minutes to soften in a bowl of warm water.

• If you’re in a time crunch, try the microwave. This is especially useful if your lemons are on the firm side or cold from refrigeration. Leave the lemons whole, and place them in the microwave for 15 second intervals until those tough membranes are soft and warm. Be sure to lightly touch the lemons before removing them from the microwave. They can get hot very quickly. Make sure they are cooled down for safe handling before slicing or juicing.

• To ripen lemons faster, store them at room temperature. If you have the opposite problem, and you want your lemons to ripen faster, store them on the counter or in a fruit bowl at room temperature until they turn yellow. Speed up the ripening process even more by placing them near fruits that release ethylene gas, such as bananas and apples. Then, move them to the refrigerator for prolonged use. How much juice is in one lemon, anyway?
  

Read the original article on All Recipes.