The simplest way to get more juice out of the lemon is to just heat it in the microwave for about 10 to 20 seconds. Do not cut the lemon in halves as the heat will soak up the moisture of the lemon. Instead, just put a whole lemon so that the absorption of juice is well prevented.
Cutting your lemon from top to bottom can help produce a lot of juice. The larger amount of surface area has chances of producing more juice. More the thicker layer of pulp exposed by cutting the lemon lengthwise in which juice is trapped, the better amount of juice it will produce.
It is important to make lemons softer to produce more juice out of them. All you need to do is to fill a small or medium-sized bowl with warm water (avoid boiled water), and place the lemon in the bowl and allow it to sit for about 30-40 minutes before pulling it out of the water. Basically, take the lemon out of the bowl once the lemon feels softer. The warm water loosens the stiff outer body, resulting in more juice.
Take a whole lemon and roll it hard against the surface of the slab or chopping board. Do not smash the lemon so hard that it breaks; just enough force to loosen it down. This will help break the membranes in the flesh of the lemon, causing the lemon to spill out more juice.
Cut the lemon in half, insert the tines of the fork into the pulp of one half and squeeze the lemon. Once the juice starts to flow in the container, rotate the fork to a new position every second. The pressure and sharp tines of the fork help pierce the membranes of the lemon, only to allow more juice move freely out of the fruit.
This hack works equally well with limes, oranges, and other citrus fruits. All you have to do is set the lemon on a clean, flat surface such as a counter or cutting board and roll the lemon slightly forward and backward with the palm of your hand. You should apply some force (but not so much that you break the rind) and turn the lemon as you go, in order to get all the way around it. The whole process should only take about 30 seconds, just until you feel that the outer layer of the fruit has softened under your hand. This process breaks down the outer membrane, paving the way for easier juicing. An average-sized lemon should yield between two and three tablespoons of juice — if youre not getting that, then you better get rolling.
Want another bonus trick for softening your lemons? Pop them in the microwave for up to 20 seconds. Just allow a little cooldown time before you start juicing them. No microwave? Just use a bowl of hot tap water (no need to boil), allowing the lemons to soak until soft — up to 40 minutes. Whichever technique you use, theres no end to the possibilities of this versatile fruit. Remember, when life gives you lemons, just roll with it.
Of course, for optimal results, you should set yourself up for success by choosing the best lemons you can find. Look for those that are a bright, vibrant yellow without any blemishes, dis-colorization, or wrinkles. And while there should be some give to your lemon when you gently press on it, there should be no soft spots (an indication that it will mold soon). If its pale or hard this signals the fruit was likely picked too early and it will give you a run for your money, yielding less overall juice. Finally, choose lemons that are on the heavy side — an indication of peak ripeness and full juicy flesh.
Ever slice into that perfect-looking lemon or lime only to be stymied in your efforts by a lack of juice? Perhaps youre making refreshing lemonade and have a whole bag of lemons to squeeze. Or maybe youve got a hard lemon on your hands — it hasnt gone bad, just a little on the hard side, making juicing a chore. Whatever the case, theres a simple hack that takes the elbow grease out of squeezing a lemon (or any other citrus), making it a breeze, and ensuring you get even more juice out of this zesty fruit. The trick: Roll your lemons before juicing.
How To Soften HARD LEMONS
How do you soften a lemon?
Place your palm on top and press down with moderate pressure. Then, roll the lemon back and forth between your palm and the hard surface. Do this for 30-45 seconds to soften the membrane inside the lemon. Tip: If your lemon is on the harder side, you can use a rolling pin to compress it by rolling the pin over the lemon while pushing down.
How to make lemon water?
To make lemon water, thinly slice a lemon and place it in the bottom of a large pitcher. Then, using a wooden spoon, lightly mash the lemon to release its juices. Add 8 cups of cold water and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
How do you clean a lemon?
Wash your lemon and set it out on a cutting board. Wash your hands with soap and water before rinsing the lemon under cool water. Shake it over the sink and dry it with a paper towel to remove the excess water. Set your fruit out on a clean cutting board.
How do you get the most out of a lemon?
To get the most out of a lemon, start by freezing it. Then, remove it and heat it up in the microwave or by soaking it in warm water. Then, cut it lengthwise instead of horizontally to expose as much of the membrane as possible. Squeeze the lemon over a large bowl before using a fork to tear up the membrane and get at more of the juice.