What to do with old lemons that are no longer fresh?

Introduction: What to Do with Old Lemons

Lemons are a versatile fruit that can be used in many different ways. However, if you have lemons that are no longer fresh, you may feel like you are wasting them. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do with old lemons that will prevent them from going to waste. In this article, we will explore some of the creative ways that you can use old lemons.

Make Lemon Juice

One of the most obvious things to do with old lemons is to make lemon juice. Even if the lemons are no longer fresh, they can still be used to make juice. All you need to do is cut the lemons in half and squeeze out the juice. You can use the juice for cooking, baking, or making lemonade.

Lemon Zest

Another way to use old lemons is to make lemon zest. The zest is the outermost layer of the lemon peel, which contains the oils and flavor of the fruit. To make lemon zest, you can use a zester or a grater to remove the outer layer of the peel. You can use the zest to add flavor to dishes such as salads, pasta, or desserts.

Lemon Infused Water

If you are looking for a refreshing and healthy drink, you can make lemon infused water. To make this drink, simply slice the old lemons and add them to a pitcher of water. You can add other ingredients such as mint leaves, cucumber, or ginger to enhance the flavor. Lemon infused water is a great way to stay hydrated and get the benefits of lemon without the acidity of lemon juice.

Lemon Vinegar

Lemon vinegar is a great way to add flavor to salads, marinades, and sauces. To make lemon vinegar, you will need to combine equal parts of white vinegar and lemon juice. You can add herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil to the mixture to add more flavor. Let the mixture sit for a few days to allow the flavors to meld together before using it.

Lemon Sugar Scrub

If you want to pamper your skin, you can make a lemon sugar scrub. To make this scrub, you will need to combine sugar, coconut oil, and lemon zest. The sugar exfoliates the skin, while the coconut oil moisturizes it. The lemon zest adds a refreshing scent to the scrub. You can use the scrub on your hands, feet, or body.

Lemon Tea

Lemon tea is a great way to soothe a sore throat or relax after a long day. To make lemon tea, you can use fresh or dried lemon peel. Simply steep the lemon peel in hot water for a few minutes and add honey or sugar to taste. Lemon tea is a great way to get the benefits of lemon without the acidity of lemon juice.

Lemon Ice Cubes

Lemon ice cubes are a great way to add flavor to drinks such as water, tea, or cocktails. Simply squeeze the juice from the old lemons and pour it into ice cube trays. Freeze the trays and use the lemon ice cubes as needed.

Lemon Potpourri

If you want to add a fresh scent to your home, you can make lemon potpourri. To make this potpourri, you will need to combine dried lemon peel, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and other spices. You can place the mixture in a bowl or sachet and place it in your home. The lemon potpourri will add a fresh and inviting scent to your home.

Conclusion: Making Use of Old Lemons

In conclusion, there are many things that you can do with old lemons that are no longer fresh. You can make lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon infused water, lemon vinegar, lemon sugar scrub, lemon tea, lemon ice cubes, or lemon potpourri. By using these creative ideas, you can prevent your old lemons from going to waste and enjoy the many benefits of this versatile fruit.

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Elise DeVoe

Elise is a seasoned food writer with seven years of experience. Her culinary journey began as Managing Editor at the College of Charleston for Spoon University, the ultimate resource for college foodies. After graduating, she launched her blog, Cookin’ with Booze, which has now transformed into captivating short-form videos on TikTok and Instagram, offering insider tips for savoring Charleston’s local cuisine.

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