PRESERVED LEMONS – A SIMPLE JAR OF CITRUS PLEASURE FOR TEAS AND SALADS
Small pleasures brighten life, and this jar of preserved lemons is one of them—perfect for enhancing teas, salads, and more.
🕒 Prep Time: 15 min (+ 24 hours resting)
🍽️ Yields: 1 jar (~800 ml)
Ingredients
- 3 lemons (or a mix of any citrus: regular lemons, Meyer lemons, limes)
- Fine granulated sugar
Optional flavor additions:
- 1 sprig rosemary or mint
- A pinch of lavender
- Cinnamon stick or vanilla pod
- Small piece of ginger
- A shot of rum or cognac
Instructions
- Ideally, use untreated organic lemons available in some supermarkets (Carrefour) or health food stores. If not, soak lemons in hot water covering them with 1 heaping tsp baking soda dissolved. Soak for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly under warm running water and dry with a rough towel.
- Slice lemons into thin rounds or half-rounds.
- In a clean jar, layer lemon slices alternating with a thin sprinkle of sugar—just enough to cover the lemons. Continue layering until jar is full.
- Seal the jar and leave at room temperature for about 1 hour until sugar becomes moist.
- Refrigerate the jar for at least 24 hours. During this time, shake or rotate the jar occasionally to help dissolve sugar evenly.
- After 24 hours, lemons will be covered in a clear syrup. Preserve in the fridge for 1–2 weeks.
💡 Tips
- Mix different citrus for complex flavors.
- Add herbs or spices for unique aroma twists.
- Use syrup to sweeten teas or dressings.
- Consume within 2 weeks for best freshness.
🎉 Perfect For
- Flavoring herbal teas
- Adding brightness to salads
- Enhancing dressings and marinades
- A fresh twist on preserved citrus
📝 Final Thoughts
Preserved lemons are an easy, natural way to add brightness and complexity to many dishes and drinks. This simple jar brings a touch of sunshine to your kitchen all year round.