Lemon Perfect Cleaning and Drying Method
Lemon Perfect Cleaning and Drying Method
Thoroughly Clean and Dry Lemons: A Simple Method Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
Did you know that lemons need to be meticulously cleaned? Since we often use the peel, thorough washing is essential. Today, I’ll share my secret, easy method for cleaning lemons impeccably and preserving them by drying. Follow these steps, and you’ll be able to enjoy the refreshing taste of lemons anytime!
Ingredients- 10 fresh lemons
- 6 tablespoons baking soda
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your lemons. Fill a clean bowl with plenty of cold water and submerge all the lemons. Sprinkle 6 tablespoons of baking soda evenly over the lemons. Letting them soak for 3 minutes will significantly help in removing dirt and pesticide residues from the peel.
Step 2
While the lemons are still submerged in the baking soda water, use a clean scrubber sponge to vigorously rub the surface of each lemon. Scrub them diligently, as if you’re cleaning away stubborn dirt, then rinse each lemon once under running water. This is the first step to remove surface impurities.
Step 3
Now, it’s time for a sterilization process using boiling water. Fill a pot with ample water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Carefully place the pre-cleaned lemons into the boiling water and swirl them for about 3 seconds. Be quick, as over-boiling can diminish the lemon’s aroma. Immediately remove the lemons and quickly plunge them into cold water to cool them down.
Step 4
After cooling the lemons in cold water, sprinkle them generously with baking soda again. Let them sit for 3 minutes. This allows the baking soda to absorb any remaining residues and odors from the peel. After 3 minutes, use a clean scrubber sponge to rub them once more with care, then rinse thoroughly under clean running water. This double-cleaning process ensures they are extra safe to use.
Step 5
Gently pat the thoroughly washed lemons dry with a kitchen towel. Ensuring they are completely dry will make the drying process much easier. Now, slice the lemons into thin rounds, about 0.5 cm thick. It’s also helpful to remove the seeds from the center of each slice for easier use later.
Step 6
Arrange the thinly sliced lemon rounds evenly on your food dehydrator trays. Dehydrate them at approximately 50-60°C for 8-10 hours, or until thoroughly dried. The drying time may vary depending on the thickness of the lemon slices and the dehydrator’s efficiency. *If you don’t have a food dehydrator, you can use the drying function of an electric oven or an air fryer. For an oven, use 70-80°C for 2-3 hours, and for an air fryer, use 60-70°C for 3-4 hours, flipping them halfway through for even drying.
Step 7
Voila! Behold the perfectly dried lemons. Don’t they look appetizing, almost like perfectly dried oranges? You can gently smell the fragrant, subtle aroma of lemon filling the air.
Step 8
Once completely dried and cooled, portion the lemons and store them in resealable bags or airtight containers in the freezer. Stored this way, they will remain fresh and flavorful for up to a year without any spoilage. I love adding one or two dried lemon slices to my homemade lemonades or hot lemon teas. Dried lemons offer a different, deeper, and richer flavor and aroma compared to fresh ones, allowing you to enjoy the essence of lemon twice as much!
