How to Make Preserved Lemons
“When life gives you lemons, get tequila and salt.”
The Art of Preserving Lemons
Winter is when our little meyer lemon tree gives us hundreds, (yes hundreds!) of these gorgeous lemons. I make everything I can think of with lemons and preserve what I can’t use for future use.
This year I have made a Meyer Lemon Bitters, a delightful Limoncello, dehydrated lemon slices for tea and juiced many for frozen juice….so far.
With lemons still leftover, I decided to make several jars of these Preserved Meyer Lemons. This will give us the benefit and flavor of these lovely lemons for the rest of the year.
Preserved lemons are a timeless culinary delight, revered for their intense citrus flavor and versatility in dishes. While they've long been a staple in Middle Eastern and North African cuisines, their popularity is now spreading worldwide and can be found in many kitchens, including mine.
Beyond their culinary appeal, preserved lemons also offer a plethora of health benefits, making them a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Preserving lemons is a simple yet rewarding process that requires only a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience.
Here's a basic guide to making your own preserved lemons at home:
Ingredients:
Fresh, organic lemons- i prefer Meyer lemons, but any type will work
Coarse salt (such as kosher or sea salt) I use the brand Real Salt
Sterilized glass jars with lids- I like quart sized
Additional flavorings (optional), such as bay leaves, peppercorns, or red pepper flakes
Instructions:
Wash the lemons thoroughly to remove any dirt. If possible, choose organic lemons to avoid pesticides or other chemicals.
Cut the lemons into quarters, leaving them attached at one end so they remain intact.
Sprinkle a generous amount of coarse salt inside each lemon, ensuring they are well-coated.
Pack the salted lemons tightly into sterilized glass jars, pressing down to release their juices.
Add an additional tablespoon or so of salt between the layers.
If desired, add additional flavorings like bay leaves, peppercorns, or red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor.
Make sure the brine covers the lemons. If not, squeeze some extra lemon juice into the jar until it is covered.
Seal the jars tightly and store them in a cool, dark place for at least one week, shaking the jars occasionally to redistribute the juices.
Once the lemons have softened and the rinds have become translucent, they are ready to use. Store them in the refrigerator after opening.
Preserved Lemons with bay leaves and peppercorns
Health Benefits of Preserved Lemons:
Rich in Vitamin C: Lemons are renowned for their high vitamin C content, which supports immune function, collagen production, and skin health. The preservation process helps retain this vital nutrient, ensuring preserved lemons remain a potent source of vitamin C.
Digestive Aid: The natural fermentation that occurs during the preservation process promotes the growth of beneficial probiotic bacteria. These probiotics can aid digestion, support gut health, and alleviate symptoms of indigestion or bloating.
Antioxidant Powerhouse: Preserved lemons contain a wealth of antioxidants, including flavonoids and vitamin C, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body. Regular consumption of antioxidant-rich foods like preserved lemons may lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Alkalizing Properties: Despite their acidic taste, lemons have an alkalizing effect on the body once metabolized. This alkalizing effect helps balance pH levels, promoting overall health and vitality.
Amazing Flavor : Adding preserved lemons to dishes infuses them with a burst of bright, citrusy flavor.
How to use preserved lemons in the kitchen
Preserved lemons can elevate a wide range of dishes with their intense flavor and health-boosting properties.
Here are some creative ways to incorporate them into your culinary repertoire:
Chop preserved lemons and add them to salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables for a lemony kick.
Blend preserved lemons into homemade salad dressings, marinades, or sauces to add depth and complexity to your recipes.
Use preserved lemon rinds as a garnish for seafood dishes, tagines, or couscous for a touch of brightness.
Incorporate preserved lemons into dips and spreads, such as hummus or tzatziki, for a refreshing twist.
🍋And for some added inspiration, here is a recipe to get you started using your preserved lemons!
Preserved Lemon Hummus
a delightful and delicious twist on the classic chickpea dip, adding a burst of bright citrus flavor and complexity.
Ingredients:
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2-3 slices of preserved lemon, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
Water, as needed
Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, extra virgin olive oil, paprika
Instructions:
In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, and salt.
Process the ingredients until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. If the hummus is too thick, add water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Once the hummus reaches the desired consistency, add the finely chopped preserved lemon slices to the food processor.
Pulse the hummus a few times to incorporate the preserved lemon, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Transfer the preserved lemon hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of paprika for added flavor and presentation.
Serve the preserved lemon hummus with your favorite dippers, such as pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Enjoy the tangy, citrusy goodness of preserved lemon hummus as a flavorful appetizer, snack, or part of a mezze platter.
YUM!!! Enjoy 💛
I hope this gives you the confidence and inspiration to make your own preserved lemons. I know you will love having that lemony goodness on hand!!
If you give it a try, don’t forget to drop me a comment and let me know what you think!!
Bright & Lemony Blessings,
Sandee