
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice, extracted from fresh lemons, is a tart and acidic liquid essential in both sweet and savory cooking. This bright yellow juice offers a vibrant citrus flavor, adding zest and brightness to countless dishes. Its thin, watery texture makes it easy to incorporate into marinades, dressings, sauces, and beverages. Using fresh lemon juice significantly enhances recipes compared to bottled alternatives, delivering a more intense and natural lemon flavor. Discover versatile ways to use lemon juice in your favorite recipes to elevate their taste profiles. Learn how to use lemon juice for cocktails and culinary masterpieces.
Common Uses
- Use fresh lemon juice to create tangy vinaigrettes and salad dressings: Lemon juice provides the perfect acidic base when combined with olive oil, herbs, and spices, adding a refreshing zest to your favorite salads. Learn how to make a simple lemon vinaigrette for a healthy and flavorful addition to your meal.
- Brighten up sauces and marinades with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice: Incorporating lemon juice into sauces like hollandaise or béarnaise cuts through richness and adds a layer of complexity. Marinating meats or vegetables in lemon juice tenderizes them while imparting a bright, citrusy flavor. Discover how to use lemon juice to make flavorful sauces.
- Bake delicious lemon-flavored desserts and pastries using freshly squeezed lemon juice: From lemon meringue pie to lemon bars, the tartness of lemon juice balances sweetness in baked goods. Using lemon juice in cakes and cookies adds moisture and a distinctive tangy twist. Learn how to bake lemon desserts.
- Mix refreshing lemon-based beverages like lemonade and cocktails: Homemade lemonade made with fresh lemon juice is a classic summertime treat. Lemon juice is also a crucial ingredient in countless cocktails, providing a sour element that complements other flavors. Find out how to make homemade lemonade.
- Preserve fruits and vegetables and prevent browning with lemon juice: The acidity of lemon juice inhibits oxidation, preventing fruits like apples and avocados from browning when exposed to air. Simply brush or soak sliced fruits and vegetables in lemon juice to maintain their vibrant color and freshness. Discover how lemon juice can help preserve food.
- Use lemon juice as a tenderizer for meats: The citric acid in lemon juice helps to break down muscle fibers, resulting in more tender meats. Marinate tougher cuts of meat in a lemon juice-based marinade for several hours before cooking. Find out how to use lemon juice for meat tenderizing.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
6.2kcal (0.31%)
Protein
0.1g (0.28%)
Carbs
2.0g (0.71%)
Sugars
0.6g (1.12%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
6.2kcal (0.31%)
Protein
0.1g (0.28%)
Carbs
2.0g (0.71%)
Sugars
0.6g (1.12%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- Good source of Vitamin C, boosting the immune system and acting as an antioxidant.
- May promote healthy skin due to its antioxidant properties and potential to stimulate collagen production.
- Can aid in digestion by stimulating stomach acid production.
- May help with weight management by promoting satiety and boosting metabolism.
- May help prevent kidney stones due to its citric acid content.
Substitutes
Storage Tips
Lemon juice is best stored in the refrigerator to maintain its flavor and prevent spoilage. Freshly squeezed lemon juice should be used within 2-3 days for optimal taste. Bottled lemon juice, once opened, can last up to a few weeks in the refrigerator. For longer storage, lemon juice can be frozen in ice cube trays and then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 3-4 months. Frozen lemon juice may experience slight changes in texture but remains suitable for most cooking and baking applications.
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