Don’t Waste the Lemons: What to Make After Homemade Limoncello
Making homemade limoncello leaves you with a wonderfully fragrant jar of lemon peel and vodka but also a bowl filled with peeled lemons.
Those lemons may not look quite as beautiful without their bright yellow skins, but they are still filled with fresh juice. Throwing them away would be such a waste!
Because the protective peel has been removed, the lemons will begin drying out quickly. The best thing to do is juice them as soon as possible, preferably on the same day that you peel them.
Start by juicing the lemons
Cut the peeled lemons in half and squeeze out all the juice. Remove the seeds, then decide whether you would like to use the juice immediately or save it for later.
If you are not ready to make something straight away, freezing the juice is the easiest option.
Make fresh homemade lemonade
A jug of homemade lemonade is one of the simplest and most refreshing ways to use plenty of lemon juice.
Serve it chilled with ice, fresh lemon slices and a few mint leaves. It is perfect for warm afternoons, family lunches and relaxed weekends at home.
[View the Fresh Homemade Lemonade Recipe]
Make silky homemade lemon curd
Lemon curd turns leftover juice into something rich, smooth and delicious.
Spread it on toast or scones, spoon it over yoghurt, use it between cake layers or add it to a tart. It also makes a lovely homemade gift when packed into a pretty jar.
[View the Homemade Lemon Curd Recipe]
Freeze lemon-juice cubes
If you do not want to make anything immediately, pour the juice into an ice-cube tray and freeze it.
Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a labelled freezer bag. You can use them later in cooking, baking, salad dressings, tea, water and cocktails.
[View the Frozen Lemon-Juice Cubes Guide]
A little planning prevents waste
One batch of lemons can give you homemade limoncello, a jug of lemonade, a jar of lemon curd and enough frozen juice for future recipes.
That is the kind of kitchen magic I love making something special while allowing as little as possible to go to waste.
