This Unexpected Item is All You Need for Simple Lemon Juice Extraction

Did you know that if you turn the chopsticks twice
Does lemon juice flow out by itself?

Are you ready for a quick and helpful tip today? Well, here it is! We have a fruit that packs a punch in terms of tangy flavor and versatility, even though it’s not everyone’s favorite to eat raw. Can you guess what it is? That’s right, it’s the lemon!

Lemons are known for their strong sour taste and delightful aroma, making them a popular seasoning or cocktail ingredient, especially when hosting home parties. However, the challenge with lemons lies in extracting their juice without making a mess or using specialized tools like a lemon squeezer. But worry not, as I’m about to share a fantastic tip to keep your hands clean and eliminate the need for a squeezer.

Getting Your Hands Dirty with Lemon Juice

When juicing a lemon, most people typically cut it into halves, hold one half, and squeeze it to extract the juice, much like squeezing an apple. However, this method often splatters lemon juice everywhere and leaves your hands all sticky. This can be incredibly frustrating when trying to add a precise amount of lemon juice to a cocktail or a recipe.

So, let’s get right to the game-changing tip for effortlessly squeezing lemon juice. Pay close attention!

What You’ll Need: A Pair of Chopsticks and a Lemon

The materials you’ll need are straightforward: just two chopsticks.

Start by thoroughly washing the lemon and slicing it horizontally. Here’s an important note: lemons often have pesticide residues on their skin, so proper cleaning is crucial. Sprinkle baking soda on the lemon, scrub it with your hands or a fruit brush, and rinse it with water. Your lemon is now ready for action.

First, insert the chopsticks vertically into the top and bottom of the lemon slice. Then, imagine you’re wringing out a wet cloth as you twist the chopsticks in opposite directions, forming an X-shape. If you want to ensure every drop is extracted, give it one more twist with the chopsticks crossed. Voilà! You’ve mastered the art of lemon squeezing.

To prove the effectiveness of this method, we compared the amount of lemon juice obtained using the traditional hand-squeezing method (left) and the chopstick method (right). As you can see, the chopstick method yields significantly more juice. So, next time you must impress with your lemon-squeezing skills, you’ll do it confidently!

Bonus Lemon Tips

Now, let’s explore a few additional ways to maximize your lemons.

1. Lemon Slices in the Freezer: Slice lemons and store them in your freezer. These lemon slices can add a refreshing touch to herbal teas or soft drinks, making them more flavorful and visually appealing.

2. Lemon Juice for Cleaning: Due to its high acidity, lemon juice is a natural cleaner and degreaser. Mixing lemon juice with rubbing alcohol in a 1:1 ratio and letting it sit for 2-3 days creates a powerful grease remover. You can use it to clean your microwave or fridge, leaving them sparkling and smelling fresh.

3. Lemon Juice Fabric Softener: Lemon juice contains natural acids that can soften fabrics. During the rinse cycle of your washing machine, add a small amount of lemon juice to the fabric softener compartment. It’s a great choice if you enjoy the fresh scent of lemons.

4. Lemon for Cutting Board Care: Wooden cutting boards tend to absorb odors and can be tricky to clean. After rinsing your cutting board with water, sprinkle baking soda on it and use lemon peel to scrub away any stains and odors. This method both deodorizes and disinfects your cutting board.

So there you have it—tips for easy lemon juicing and various ways to make the most of this versatile fruit. Did you find these tips interesting? Stay tuned for more helpful information next time. Goodbye!

By. Jinha Hwang (pikle@fastviewkorea.com)