Refreshing Vitamin Boost! Homemade Lemon Syrup
Easy Homemade Sweet & Sour Lemon Syrup & Lemon Tea: A Vitamin Drink for the Whole Family
Make a sweet and sour lemon syrup with fresh lemons, rich in Vitamin C, which is great for boosting immunity. It’s also a perfect healthy drink for kids’ snacks during the upcoming school break. Enjoy it year-round, as a refreshing lemonade in summer or a warm lemon tea in winter.
Main Ingredients
- 1kg Fresh Lemons
- 1.2kg Granulated Sugar or Brown Sugar (adjustable to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s important to thoroughly wash the lemons under running water. To remove dirt or pesticide residue from the peel, you can scrub them with baking soda or coarse salt, or briefly blanch them in boiling water. (Refer to [How to Wash Lemons] for detailed washing instructions.)
Step 2
After washing, carefully pat the lemons dry with paper towels. Ensure no moisture remains, as this can lead to mold during storage. Slice the lemons in half, then into thin half-moon shapes. Remove any seeds from the center of the lemons, as they can impart a bitter taste. You can use a knife or tweezers for this.
Step 3
Place about one-third of the sliced lemons at the bottom of a sterilized glass jar or container. Sterilize the jar beforehand by boiling it in water or heating it in the microwave for longer storage.
Step 4
Cover the lemon layer with a generous amount of sugar, ensuring the lemons are completely hidden. The sugar helps to draw out the moisture from the lemons and acts as a preservative.
Step 5
Add another third of the sliced lemons, then cover them with sugar again. Repeat this layering process until you’ve used up all the lemons.
Step 6
Finally, add the remaining lemon slices and pour all the leftover sugar over the top, completely covering the lemons. The general ratio is 1:1.2 (lemons to sugar), but you can increase the sugar amount if you prefer a sweeter taste. (Adjust according to your preference.) Seal the container and let it mature in a cool place for 10-15 days. After about 3 days of maturation, you might notice the sugar settling at the bottom. Use a dry wooden spoon or chopsticks to gently mix the layers from bottom to top. This mixing process helps the sugar dissolve and speeds up maturation. (Caution: Using too little sugar can easily lead to mold, so ensure you use a sufficient amount.)
Step 7
Here’s the lemon syrup after 15 days of maturation. It looks and smells wonderful! Give it another good stir with a wooden spoon, then refrigerate it for longer shelf life.
Step 8
I made a warm lemon tea with the well-matured lemon syrup. With a sore throat and lingering phlegm lately, a warm cup of tea feels incredibly soothing. Honestly, I was craving a refreshing lemon soda with sparkling water and ice, but I opted for a warm drink for my throat’s health. With the school break just around the corner, why not prepare some homemade, healthy lemon syrup for your children? It’s an easy recipe that will delight both their health and taste buds.
