What to Do With Extra Lemons: Creative and Practical Ideas
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If you’re anything like most people, you probably end up with a surplus of lemons at some point. Maybe you bought too many at the grocery store, or perhaps your lemon tree produces more fruit than you can use. Whatever the reason, you don’t want to let those lemons go to waste. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do with them.
One of the most obvious uses for lemons is to make lemonade, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You can use lemons in various recipes, from savory to sweet. They’re a great way to add a bright, tangy flavor to dishes like roasted chicken or grilled fish. You can also use them to make salad dressings, marinades, and sauces.
But lemons aren’t just for cooking. They have a number of other uses around the house as well. For example, lemon juice can disinfect cutting boards, countertops, and other surfaces. Lemon peels can make a natural air freshener, and lemon slices can be frozen and used to flavor drinks.
Lemon Recipes
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! But why stop there? Lemons are versatile fruit used in many recipes. Here are a few ideas to help you use up those extra lemons:
- Make Lemonade or Lemon Water: One of the most classic and refreshing ways to use extra lemons is to make lemonade or lemon water. Squeeze the juice of a few lemons into a pitcher of water, add some sugar or honey to taste, and stir until dissolved. Add some mint leaves or sliced fruit like strawberries or oranges for an extra twist. Serve over ice for a refreshing drink on a hot day.
- Lemon Bars or Meringue Pie: If you have a sweet tooth, using your extra lemons to make lemon bars or meringue pie is a great option. Lemon bars are a classic dessert that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Try making a lemon meringue pie for a more challenging but impressive dessert. The tangy lemon filling and fluffy meringue topping will impress your guests.
- Lemon Chicken or Fish: Lemon is an excellent ingredient for cooking chicken or fish. The acidity of the lemon juice helps to tenderize the meat and adds a bright, fresh flavor. To make lemon chicken or fish, marinate the meat in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can also add slices of lemon to the pan or grill for extra flavor. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and delicious meal.
- Use Lemon Juice in Salad Dressings: Lemon juice can add a bright and tangy flavor to any salad dressing. Whisk together some lemon juice, olive oil, and your favorite herbs and spices for a simple and delicious dressing. You can also add a touch of honey or mustard for some extra sweetness or tanginess. This dressing pairs well with salads featuring greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese.
- Lemon Pasta: This pasta is easier to make than regular pasta. It is filled with tastes and flavors that you can’t imagine. So, toss some cooked pasta with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese for a quick and easy dinner bursting with flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with some more unique lemon recipes:
Recipe | Description |
Lemon Risotto | This creamy, tangy risotto is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. |
Lemon Sorbet | Cool off on a hot day with this refreshing and citrusy sorbet. |
Lemon Garlic Shrimp | This zesty and savory dish is a quick and easy weeknight dinner full of flavor. |
With so many delicious lemon recipes, you’ll never have to worry about what to do with those extra lemons again!
Lemon Household Uses
If you have extra lemons, don’t let them go to waste! There are many creative ways to use extra lemons in your house, from cleating to killing bad smells. Here are some household uses for lemons:
- Clean your microwave: Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a microwaveable water-filled bowl. Add the lemon rinds to the bowl and microwave for 4 minutes. Wipe down the interior of the microwave with a cloth or sponge.
- Deodorize your garbage disposal: Cut a lemon into small pieces and put them down the drain. Turn on the disposal and let it run for a few seconds. The lemon will help to freshen up the disposal.
- Clean your cutting board: If you have a wooden cutting board, use half of a lemon to scrub it clean. Sprinkle coarse salt on the board and use the lemon to scrub away any stains or odors.
- Remove stains from clothing: this is one of the most famous household use of lemons. Lemon has been deemed to work great on stains and grease on clothes. Mix lemon juice and water equally and apply the mixture to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing the garment as usual.
These are just a few examples of using lemons around the house. With their natural cleaning properties, lemons are a great alternative to harsh chemicals. Plus, they smell great!
Lemons for Beauty
Lemons are a natural vitamin C source, essential for healthy skin. Vitamin C helps to boost collagen production, which can improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, the citric acid in lemons can help to exfoliate dead skin cells and brighten dull skin. Here are some ways to incorporate lemons into your beauty routine:
- A natural antibacterial: Lemons have strong antibacterial properties, making them great for fighting breakout-causing bacteria. You can apply lemon juice directly to blemishes or mix it with honey to create a clarifying mask.
- Clarifying moisturizer: Lemon juice can be mixed with aloe vera gel to create a clarifying moisturizer that helps brighten skin tone. Apply it to your face before bed and rinse it in the morning.
- Natural exfoliant: Lemon juice mixed with sugar creates a natural exfoliant that slows off dead skin cells and reveals brighter, smoother skin. Use this mixture on your face or body once a week.
- Hair lightener: Lemon juice mixed with warm water can be a natural hair lightener. Apply the mixture to your hair and sit in the sun for a few hours. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and use a deep conditioner afterward. You can add a few drops of lemon juice to your shampoo to help remove buildup and add shine to your hair.
- Soften dry elbows: Lemon juice can be applied to dry elbows to soften them. Cut a lemon in half and rub it onto your elbows for a few minutes. Rinse with warm water and apply moisturizer.
- Brighten nails: Lemon juice can brighten nails and remove any yellow stains. Soak your nails in lemon juice for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Reduce dark spots: Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Apply lemon juice directly to the affected area and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing off.
- Soothe a sunburn: Lemon juice can be used to soothe sunburned skin. Mix lemon juice with Aloe Vera gel and apply it to the affected area for a cooling, soothing effect.
- Freshen breath: Lemon juice can help to freshen breath and kill bacteria that cause bad breath. Mix lemon juice with water and swish it around your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out.
- Reduce oily skin: Lemon juice can help to reduce oily skin by balancing the skin’s pH levels. Mix lemon juice with water and apply to your face with a cotton ball, focusing on oily areas. Rinse off after a few minutes.
Health Benefits of Lemons
In addition to their beauty benefits, lemons offer various health benefits. They are a great source of vitamins and compounds that can benefit your health. For instance, lemons contain high levels of vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant can help protect your cells from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals.
Additionally, lemons are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and may even aid in weight management.
Here are some of the top health benefits of lemons:
- Lemons are a good source of vitamin C, which can help to boost your immune system and protect against colds and flu. Lemon and ginger tea is the best option for a cold or flu.
- The citric acid in lemons can help to prevent kidney stones by increasing urine volume and pH levels.
- Lemons can aid digestion by stimulating the production of digestive juices and enzymes.
- Lemons may help lower your heart disease risk by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Overall, lemons are a versatile and beneficial fruit that can be used in a variety of ways to improve your beauty and health. So next time you have extra lemons, consider incorporating them into your routine for a natural boost.
Lemon Storage Tips
If you have extra lemons and have nothing in mind to do with them, it’s essential to store them properly to keep them fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. Here are some tips:
- Store whole lemons in the refrigerator. They will last up to two weeks when stored in the crisper drawer or on a shelf.
- If you want your lemons to last longer, place them in a sealed container or a zip-top bag. There is even specialty produce keepers designed for this purpose.
- When storing cut lemons, wrap them tightly in plastic or food wrap or in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Store them in the refrigerator and use them within 3 to 4 days.
- If you have freshly-squeezed lemon juice, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks.
It’s important to note that the ideal temperature for storing ripe (yellow) lemons is between 4º and 10ºC (39-50ºF). If you keep them at room temperature, they will harden and dry out much more quickly.
Conclusion
There are many creative and practical ways to use extra lemons. From zesting and juicing to freezing and using lemon peel in recipes, plenty of ways exist to make the most out of this versatile citrus fruit. Whether you want to add flavor to your drinks, boost your immune system, or clean your home, lemons are a great addition to any household. So next time you find yourself with extra lemons, try out some of these ideas and see how they can enhance your life.