Preserving Lemons: A Simple Guide

Preserved lemons are a tangy and flavorful ingredient that brings an exotic twist to many dishes. You might have enjoyed the taste of preserved lemons if you have ever tried Moroccan, Middle Eastern, or North African cuisine. These zesty lemons are a versatile condiment that can be used in soups, stews, salads, or served alongside fish, chicken, and meat.

The good news is that you don’t have to travel to exotic locations or search for preserved lemons in specialty stores. Making preserved lemons at home is an easy and affordable process that requires only a few ingredients and little time. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of making preserved lemons at home, and share some tips on how to use them in your cooking.

Choosing the Right Lemons

When it comes to making preserved lemons, the type of lemon you use really matters. While you can technically use any type of lemon, some varieties work better than others. Here are a few tips for choosing the best lemons for preserving:

1. Look for Organic Lemons

When making preserved lemons, you’ll be eating the lemon rind, so it’s important to choose organic lemons that haven’t been treated with pesticides or other chemicals. Look for lemons that are labeled “USDA organic” or “certified organic.”

2. Choose Thin-Skinned Lemons

Thick-skinned lemons can be more difficult to work with when it comes to preserving. Look for lemons with thin, smooth skin that are easy to slice and pack tightly into jars.

3. Meyer Lemons are a Good Choice

Meyer lemons are a popular choice for making preserved lemons because they have a sweeter, more delicate flavor than regular lemons. However, they can be harder to find and more expensive than other varieties.

4. Consider the Season

Lemons are generally in season from November through May, so try to make preserved lemons during this time for the best flavor and quality.

5. Don’t Use Overripe Lemons

Overripe lemons may be too soft and mushy to work with when it comes to preserving. Look for lemons that are firm and free from bruises or other imperfections.

6. Buy Lemons in Bulk

Preserving lemons requires quite a few lemons, so it’s a good idea to buy them in bulk if possible. You can often get a better price when buying in larger quantities.

7. Avoid Wax-Coated Lemons

Some lemons are coated in wax to help preserve their freshness, but this can make them more difficult to work with when it comes to preserving. Look for lemons that are free from wax.

8. Get Lemons That Are Ripe Enough

When it comes to choosing lemons for preserving, it’s best to look for ones that are ripe enough to have developed a strong lemon flavor but not so ripe that they’re starting to go bad or lose their juiciness.

9. Don’t Use Lemons that Are Too Small

Small lemons may be tempting to use, but they can be harder to work with and may not yield enough juice to properly preserve the lemons.

10. Meyer Lemons are a Good Choice

Meyer lemons are a popular choice for making preserved lemons because they have a sweeter, more delicate flavor than regular lemons. However, they can be harder to find and more expensive than other varieties.

The Ingredients Needed to Make Preserved Lemons

Preserving lemons is an easy process that requires minimal ingredients. The key to making preserved lemons is to obtain fresh, thin-skinned, and unwaxed lemons. Here are the necessary ingredients you will require for your preserved lemons recipe:

1. Lemons: As already stated above, fresh, unwaxed, and thin-skinned lemons are the only kind you require for this recipe.

2. Salt: Salt acts as the natural preservative to preserve the lemons.

3. Airtight container: An airtight container is needed to store the preserved lemons; typically, a glass jar will work just fine.

4. Additional flavorings: Additional flavorings are not necessary, but they do add an extra texture and flavor to the preserved lemons. Some popular options include cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, coriander seeds, or peppercorn.

5. Water: Although not necessary, some people prefer to add a small amount of water to the jar to assist in the preservation process.

6. Cutting board and knife

The Process of Making Preserved Lemons

Once you have all your ingredients, the next step is to start the preserving process.

1. Start by sterilizing the jar that you will be using to store the preserved lemons. Rinse it with hot water, and then fill it with boiling water, let it sit for at least 10 minutes before emptying.

2. Cut the lemons into quarters or halve them, leaving an inch from the bottom uncut and make sure that they are not cut all the way through.

3. Take a tablespoon of salt and generously rub it on the inside of each lemon piece.

4. Pack the lemons into the jar as tightly as possible. You can add additional flavorings to the jar at this stage.

5. Continue adding salt to each layer of lemons, and also add a small amount of water if you wish.

6. Once your jar is full, make sure to press down gently on the lemons so that they release their juices.

7. Fill the jar with water until the lemons are completely covered.

8. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place. Leave it to ferment for at least three to four weeks before using.

The Benefits of Preserved Lemons

Preserved lemons have been used for centuries in many cuisines around the world. They can be utilized in various dishes to add a unique and tangy flavor to any meal. Here are some benefits of using preserved lemons:

1. Adds a unique flavor: Preserved lemons add a distinctive salty-sour flavor to dishes that cannot be duplicated by any other ingredient.

2. Improves digestion: The lactic acid and fermentation of the preserved lemons helps in breaking down the food and can help improve digestion too.

3. Rich in nutrients: Lemons are packed with vitamin C, and by preserving them, some of that nutrient value is retained, making them a healthful ingredient to have handy.

4. Versatile: Preserved lemons can be used in a variety of ways and in different dishes. They are great in salads, tagines, pasta dishes, marinades, and even cocktails.

5. Long shelf life: Preserved lemons have a notoriously long shelf life, up to a year in some cases, and refrigerated they will keep for many months. Thus, you have a tangy ingredient ready to add to your meal whenever you want.

In the next section, we will discuss some exciting recipes that you can prepare using preserved lemons.

3. Ingredients and Tools Needed for Preserved Lemons

Preserved lemons are a staple ingredient in many Middle Eastern and North African dishes, and they are incredibly easy to make at home. In this section, we will cover the ingredients and tools you will need to make preserved lemons.

6-8 Organic Lemons

The first and most important ingredient for making preserved lemons is, of course, lemons. Choose six to eight organic lemons that are free from blemishes or bruises. Meyer lemons are ideal for this recipe, but regular lemons will work as well.

Kosher Salt

Kosher salt is used for preserving the lemons. It is a coarse salt that is preferred for its texture and lack of additives. Do not substitute table salt in this recipe, as it has additives that can discolor the preserved lemons.

Sugar

While sugar is not a traditional ingredient in preserved lemon recipes, it is used in this recipe to help balance the flavors. It is important to use a sugar that will dissolve easily, such as granulated sugar.

Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Black Peppercorns, and Bay Leaf

These spices are used to provide additional flavor and complexity to the preserved lemons. They can be adjusted according to your personal taste preferences.

Juicer or Citrus Reamer

Unless you enjoy hand-squeezing lemons, a juicer or citrus reamer will make the process much easier. You will need the juice of one lemon to mix with the salt and sugar.

Assemble all of your ingredients and tools before beginning the process of making your preserved lemons. In the next section, we will go over the step-by-step instructions for making preserved lemons at home.

Enjoy Your Preserved Lemons!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully made your own preserved lemons. Now it’s time to sit back, relax and wait for the magic to happen. Remember to give them a good shake once a day and keep them in a cool, dark place. Thanks for reading and I hope you found this article helpful. Be sure to come back for more home-cooking tips and tricks. Happy preserving!