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Select Fresh Lemons: Start with ripe, undamaged lemons. Any bruises or cuts can accelerate spoilage.
Prepare the Lemons: Wash the lemons thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Slice the Lemons: Cut the lemons into thin slices or wedges, depending on how you plan to use them later.
Prepare the Salt Solution: In a clean container, mix water with a generous amount of salt. The water should be saturated with salt, meaning it should be cloudy and taste very salty.
Submerge the Lemons: Place the lemon slices in the container with the salt solution, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Seal the Container: Close the container tightly and give it a gentle shake to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Keep the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry. The lemons will be ready to use in a few weeks but can be stored for several months.
Benefits of Salt-Preserved Lemons
Beyond just preservation, salt-preserved lemons offer a variety of culinary benefits. The salt intensifies the lemon’s flavor, making it a fantastic addition to dishes like salads, stews, and marinades. The rind, which softens during the preservation process, becomes edible and adds a burst of citrusy goodness to any recipe.
Conclusion :
Preserving lemons in salt is a time-honored tradition that not only extends the shelf life of your citrus fruits but also enhances their flavor profile. This simple, natural method is easy to do at home and yields lemons that are perfect for a variety of culinary applications. So the next time you find yourself with an abundance of lemons, consider giving this old trick a try—you might just find that grandma’s method was the best all along.
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