How to Juice Lemons for Lemonade
Enjoy a fresh glass of homemade lemonade by juicing your own lemons at home. Pure lemon juice contains a high amount of vitamin C, which makes the lemon juice a healthy alternative to a dry or frozen lemonade mix. After you select fresh lemons, they need to be softened or tenderized to remove as much juice as possible. Once you extract the lemon juice, add it to simple syrup to create a sweet lemonade beverage that will cool you down on hot summer days. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Fork
- Bowl
- Knife
- Reamer or juicer
- 2 cups sugar
- Saucepan
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups lemon juice
- Pitcher
- 4 cups cold water
Instructions
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1
Set the lemons out at room temperature. If the lemons are not warm, poke the skin three to four times with a fork and place them in the microwave for 20 seconds. You may also warm the lemons by placing them in a bowl and pouring boiling water over them. Allow the lemons to rest for 30 seconds in the hot water.
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2
Set a lemon on the counter and, with the palm of your hand cupped over it, roll it firmly to help loosen the juice inside the lemon. Repeat this process for each lemon you plan to juice.
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3
Slice the lemon in half crosswise. Press the lemon flesh onto the raised part of a reamer or juicer and twist to release the juice. If you do not have this kitchen accessory, place one hand under the lemon to catch the seeds and squeeze over a bowl with your other hand.
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4
Heat 2 cups of sugar with 1 cup of water in a saucepan on the stove until the sugar dissolves to form a simple syrup. Add 1 1/2 to 2 cups of extracted lemon juice. Pour the mixture into a pitcher.
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5
Add 4 cups of cold water. Adjust the strength of the lemonade by adding more or less water. Place the lemonade in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill.
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Tips & Warnings
Add the lemon pulp to the lemonade or strain it in a mesh colander to remove it.
Serve the lemonade over ice and with a slice of lemon as a garnish.
Avoid purchasing discolored, bruised or wrinkled lemons because the juice will not taste as fresh.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
