How to Juice a Lemon by Microwaving

When juicing lemons, it can sometimes be tough to squeeze all the citrus juice from harder fruits. Cold lemons make this even harder. Refrigerated lemons stiffen and do not yield to the citrus juicer as easily as room-temperature or warm lemons. Heating lemons in the microwave increases the amount of juice you can get out of the fruit. The microwave juicing method is one of the more efficient ways to juice a lemon.

Things You'll Need

• Fork
• Paper towel
• Citrus juicer

Instructions

1. Prick the surface of the lemon's peel in several places with a fork. Do not penetrate the flesh, as that will allow the juice to leak through into the microwave.

2. Place the lemon on a paper towel in the microwave and heat the lemon on high for 10 to 20 seconds. Remove the microwaved lemon and let it stand on the counter for one minute.

3. Roll the lemon a few times on the counter with the palm of your hand, applying gentle pressure to the fruit.

4. Slice the lemon in half and use a citrus juicer to extract the lemon juice. The juice may be quite hot, so be gentle with the microwaved lemon while juicing it so you don't burn yourself.

5. Discard the hollowed-out peels and use the juice of the lemon as needed.

References

• "Lemon Magic: 200 Beauty and Household Uses for Lemons and Lemon Juice"; Patty Moosbrugger, 1999