If you’re making a recipe that involves lemon juice — say, a homemade salad dressing or sauce — you’ll want to make sure you bring home the right lemons. A pithy, hard lemon with little juice can be a bummer, and lemons don’t exactly come cheap. Fortunately, there’s a super easy way to identify the juiciest lemons in the produce aisle.
How to Choose a Juicy Lemon
Josh Alsberg, co-owner and co-founder of Robinet Produce Market In Portland, OR, says it’s all about weight and density. you want Choose a lemon that feels full. (with juice!) than the other. “With all citrus, if you pick two different fruits that are the same size and one feels heavier, that’s the juicier one,” he says.
You may have to test a few lemons before you land on the right one, but the search will be worth your time. You can also squeeze a lemon to try it. Find something that has the right amount of give. If a lemon is rock hard, it’s probably not very juicy—and it’s not likely to overripe on your countertop or in your fridge.
Ellsberg says lemons ripen best on trees. Generally, the longer they stay on the tree before harvesting, the better. Remember that if there is lemon. Very softit’s probably too far gone, and it’ll break before you can use it. (Always look for mold spots if you’re worried.)
The best way to store lemons
Once you get your juicy lemons home, suggests Alsberg. Keep them in the refrigerator So that they stay fresh longer. If you keep them in a bowl on the counter — you know, for aesthetics and occasionally that invigorating citrus scent — be sure to use them within a few days because they’ll soften quickly (and eventually or so will spoil or dry).
How to squeeze the most juice out of your lemons.
There are many tricks to get more juice out of lemons, like sticking them in the microwave. Before you cut the lemon, microwave it for about 30 seconds or until warm. Once the outside is cool enough to touch, cut the lemon and squeeze out the juice.
If you’re in the market to improve your juicing experience, Alsberg recommends investing in a juicer. Electric ones will be the most efficient, but you can also get a good amount of juice out of it. Hand press juicer.