12.04.2025
This is how I keep the lemons fresh for 1 year without freezing or cooking them
Keeping lemons fresh for a year without the need to freeze or cook them is possible using pickling techniques and natural preservation.
Here’s an effective and simple method to keep your lemons fresh and tasty using natural ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg of lemons
- 50 ml of apple cider vinegar
- 3 tsp salt
- 3 bay leaves
- 6 cloves of garlic
Steps to preserve fresh lemons
- Preparation of the lemons:
- Wash the lemons in cold water to remove any residue or dirt.
- Pat the lemons dry with a clean cloth or let them air dry.
- Preparation of the preservation solution:
- In a large bowl, mix 50 ml of vinegar with 1 liter of water.
- Add the 3 teaspoons of salt to the solution and mix well until the salt is completely dissolved.
- Preparation of the bottles:
- Sterilize glass jars with airtight lids by soaking them in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Allow the jars to dry completely before use.
- Packaging of lemons:
- Cut the lemons into thick slices or quarters, depending on your preference.
- Place a bay leaf and 2 cloves of garlic in the bottom of each sterilized jar.
- Fill the jars with the lemon slices or quarters, making sure to leave a little space at the top.
- Addition of the preservation solution:
- Pour the vinegar and salt solution over the lemons in the jars until they are completely coated.
- Make sure there are no air bubbles left inside the jar, gently pressing down on the lemons if necessary.
- Sealing and storage:
- Close the jars tightly with the lids.
- Store the jars in a cool, dark and dry place. A basement or pantry are ideal places.
- It is advisable to label the bottles with the date of packaging to keep track of the shelf life.
Additional tips:
- Check regularly: Inspect the jars every month to make sure the lemons are kept in good condition and show no signs of spoilage.
- Avoid direct light: Keep jars out of direct sunlight to prevent oxidation and discoloration of lemons.
- Use of other natural preservatives: In addition to bay leaves and garlic, spices such as black pepper or rosemary sprigs can be added to give lemons extra flavor.
Suggested Uses:
- Salads: Add preserved lemon wedges to salads for a fresh and tangy touch.
- Fish dishes: Use lemons to marinate fish or as a garnish for seafood dishes.
- Beverages: Incorporate lemon slices into refreshing drinks or cocktails for a unique flavor.
With this preservation method, you can enjoy fresh lemons all year round without the need to freeze or cook them. This technique is easy to follow and uses natural ingredients that not only preserve lemons, but also enhance their flavor.
Try this technique and discover how convenient it is to always have fresh lemons on hand!