Juice the Lemons: Squeeze the juice of 4-5 fresh lemons into a saucepan. Add the lemon zest for extra flavor.
Make the Syrup: Add sugar and water to the lemon juice in the saucepan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let the syrup simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sugar has completely dissolved and the syrup thickens slightly.
Cool and Store: Once the syrup is ready, allow it to cool completely. Pour the cooled syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
Store in the Fridge: The syrup will last for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. Use it in lemonades, cocktails, desserts, or even as a drizzle over pancakes.
This sweet-tart syrup will keep the fresh lemon flavor intact and be ready to use whenever you need it.
5. Lemon Peel Powder
Lemon peel powder is a fantastic way to preserve the aromatic zest of lemons for a variety of uses. Whether you want to sprinkle it over food, mix it into smoothies, or use it in baking, lemon peel powder adds a refreshing citrus kick.
Instructions:
Dry the Lemon Peels: After using your fresh lemons for juice or zest, save the peels. Lay the peels flat on a baking sheet and let them air dry for 2-3 days. Alternatively, you can dry them in a dehydrator or on low heat in the oven (around 100°F).
Grind the Peels: Once the peels are fully dried, grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
Store: Store the lemon peel powder in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place. It will keep for several months.
Lemon peel powder is a great addition to your spice rack, perfect for flavoring cakes, cookies, sauces, or even teas.
Conclusion: Enjoy Lemons All Year Round
With these clever preservation techniques, you can enjoy the refreshing, zesty flavor of lemons throughout the year, no matter the season. Whether you’re infusing oils, preserving lemons in salt, freezing lemon juice, making syrup, or creating lemon peel powder, you’ll always have a burst of citrus on hand.
These methods are simple, effective, and require no freezing or cooking, allowing you to keep your lemons fresh for longer and reduce waste. So next time you buy a batch of fresh lemons, try one (or more) of these methods to preserve their deliciousness for months to come!
