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.
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
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That's amazing, Patsy. I need to go through Jes' eBook about using fruit scraps once again. I would be interested to see if your seeds sprout.
ReplyDeleteNanna Chel, this is the second time I've sprouted lemon seeds, the first time was a great success. The trees were a couple of years old and the hard prolonged freezing weather we had in January killed them.
DeleteSo how were you making the lemon extract? Enquiring minds want to know. Recipe? Directions?
ReplyDeleteTIA
gardenpat, I added that information to the post. It is quite easy!
DeleteGenius!!! I have a big annual shopping trip coming up in a couple of weeks--guess what's on my produce list????
ReplyDeleteEvelyn, I'm going to buy some more when I next go grocery shopping too!
DeleteI have a Meyer lemon tree. I juice the lemons then scrape the pith from the skin. After that, I slice the skins into strips and freeze, along with the juice. Close to Christmas, I make candied lemon rinds. This is for me. I do share but It doesn’t bother me if no-one else likes them. More for me!
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Debbie, that sounds like it would be good!
DeleteI am going to be freezing some lemons! Thanks for the information. Did you know that whole oranges are frozen for the not from concentrate juice? My parents live near Florida Freezer outside of Orlando. There are long cement block buildings as for as the eye can see that are full of frozen oranges.
ReplyDeleteLana, I did not know that ... hmmm ...
DeleteDear Patsy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for all of this info! We bought a lemon tree and a lime tree last year but have not had a harvest yet. Now I will REALLY be looking forward to it!
Love, Kelsey
P.S. It was just allergies and I am much improved :)
Kelsey, I'm glad you are feeling better and that it wasn't the flu! I would love to have a lime tree too ... hmmm ... something else to add to my ever growing to-do list!!!
DeleteI too have lemons on my shopping list this week. I do like to slice, freeze and then bag them up for future use - so handy! I'm eating a lot of fish & seafood at the moment so lemons always go well with that.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to make up a jar of salted preserved lemons - have you ever done this?
Margie, I have not, but now you have me curious so I will do research.
DeleteSo, because I don't know much about lemons, do most lemon trees come from seedlings, or will you need to graft a desired variety onto your root stock once you get your seedlings to come up? Growing up on a peach and cherry farm, all the trees we had were grafted for desirable varieties. Otherwise, they were tiny and sour, as evidenced by the occasional "seedling" cherry tree that we had for pollination purposes. I'm just wondering how hard this project would be over the long run, if I decided to grow a lemon tree for myself. I'm intrigued.
ReplyDeleteBecky, good question! I'm sure I researched this the last time I started lemon trees from seeds but I don't remember what I found out. Guess I'll research it again!
DeleteWonderful and informative post! Thank you! :-)
ReplyDeleteso what are some examples of things you use the frozen lemon slices for?
ReplyDeleteW., I'll use them to make lemon water by just dropping a slice or two into a glass of water. I'll also drop a slice or two into a glass of tea.
Delete