Recently I purchased organic lemons and Meyer lemons with a specific purpose in mind ... actually several purposes in mind!
Here's what I did with them ...
I removed the zest using
this zester.... (the darker zest at the top of the picture is from the Meyer lemons and the lighter zest is from the organic lemons.)
Into the
dehydrator using
these sheets, the fresh zest went ... it didn't take long for it to get dry, maybe an hour.
Next, I sliced the lemons and removed the seeds. I flash froze the lemon slices for 2 - 3 hours.
When the lemon slices were completely frozen I removed them from the pan, bagged them up, labeled each bag and added them to the freezer part of my pantry. This will be so convenient to just open the bag, grab what I need, seal the bag back up and go.
I'm not through yet though! I debated on jarring the dried lemon zest and adding it to my pantry as a spice but decided that since I already had some lemon peel, I would start some lemon extract instead ... and that's what I did. The next time I purchase lemons, I'll replenish my lemon zest!
Update: I've been asked how I make lemon extract, it really is quite simple. I filled this amber colored, glass 'ex-pill' bottle about half full of my dehydrated lemon zest, filled the bottle up to the shoulders with vodka, put the lid on the bottle, labeled it and gave it a good shake. I sat it aside and will give it a good shake daily for about 3 - 4 weeks. After the 3 - 4 weeks I'll strain out the lemon zest and add more dehydrated lemon zest (I'm going for a real lemony flavor) and repeat the process. At the end of that 3 - 4 weeks, I'll strain it, bottle it, label and add it to my spices.
What would you do with 5 organic lemons and 4 Meyer lemons?
patsi
She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27
My pantry is intentional, purposeful, simple, practical, frugal and what works for my family. It’s the food items and household supplies that keep my household running smoothly ready and available when they are needed. It’s my contribution to our family’s economy and my work-from-home ‘job.'
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