How To Juice Lemons - How To Juice Citrus Fruits

Squeeze your own lemon juice! - Bottled lemon juice should be substituted only if fresh lemons are not available. To view different types of citrus juicers and to purchase one (if you desire).

Room-temperature lemons, limes and orange will yield more juice than those that are refrigerated. Use your palm to roll lemon, lime, or orange around on the countertop a few times before squeezing. When I am in a hurry, I cut the lemon in half, and then cup one hand under the lemon as squeeze the lemon with the other hand. The cupped hand is to catch the seeds.

Microwaving the fruit for 15 to 20 seconds before squeezing will help extract more juice. Don't overdo it. You don't want to boil the juice.

If just a few drops of juice are needed, pierce the skin with a toothpick and squeeze out what you need. To store it, reinsert the toothpick, put the lemon or lime into a plastic bag, and refrigerate.

Store fresh lemon juice in the refrigerator for a week or so. If I have a large amount of juice to store, I put the juice in ice cube trays and freeze for later use.

Freezing Whole Lemons: The next time you see lemons or limes on sale at your local grocery or produce store, buy an extra amount of lemons and freeze them whole.

• First wish the skins well and then dry.
   
• Place the whole lemons in a freezer bag and store in your refrigerator.
   
• Zesting the frozen lemon: Grate the zest off the lemon while still frozen.
   
• Juicing the frozen lemon: Place lemon in the microwave for a few second (or submerge in cold water for approximately 15 minutes). After defrosting, the lemon will be softer (or more mushy) and much easier to juice.

Selecting Fresh Citrus Fruits - When looking for citrus fruit (such as lemons, limes, oranges, an grapefruit) for juicing, avoid ones with bruises, wrinkled, or discolored skin. Choose lemons that have smooth skins and are heavy for their size. Lemons contain 30 to 45 percent juice depending on variety, climate, maturity when harvested, and storage conditions.
 

Learn about Lemon Zest and using Lemon Zesters.