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Concentrated Lemon Juice

Homemade Concentrated Lemon Juice

Learn how to make concentrated lemon juice at home with this easy recipe. Plus, discover benefits, uses, nutrition facts, and FAQs.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Baking Essentials, Cleaning & Household, Condiments & Sauces, Drinks & Cocktails
Cuisine: American, Global, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 5

Ingredients
  

  • 8 –10 fresh lemons for about 1 cup of juice
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest for extra flavor
  • Optional: A pinch of salt to enhance savory dishes

Equipment

  • 1 Citrus Juicer Manual or electric, to juice lemons easily
  • 1 Fine Mesh Strainer To strain seeds and pulp
  • 1 Saucepan For simmering and reducing juice
  • 1 Glass Jar or Bottle For storing the concentrate
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula For stirring during simmering

Method
 

  1. Prep your lemons like a boss. Give each lemon a good roll on the counter — think of it as waking them up from their citrus nap. This trick loosens the juice inside so you squeeze every drop without a fight.
  2. Slice and squeeze. Cut those lemons right down the middle, then use your favorite juicer or your bare hands if you’re feeling tough. Juice into a bowl, but watch out for those pesky seeds trying to hitch a ride.
  3. Simmer low and slow. Pour the juice into a small saucepan, turn your burner to low, and let the magic happen. This is where your juice gently thickens and reduces by half, intensifying that bright lemon flavor. Stir occasionally, but no rushing — patience is key here.
  4. Cool it down. Once your juice has shrunk and thickened, take the pan off the heat and let it cool naturally. No rushing this part — the flavor needs time to settle.
  5. Bottle it up. Pour your thickened, zingy concentrate into a clean glass jar or bottle. Screw on the lid tight to keep the freshness locked in.
  6. Keep it fresh. Store your homemade lemon concentrate in the fridge. Use it up within 2-3 weeks, or freeze small portions in ice cube trays so you can grab a burst of lemon power whenever you want.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use ripe, juicy lemons — they’ll give you more juice and a sweeter, brighter taste.
  • Avoid boiling the juice; a gentle simmer preserves the fresh lemon aroma and prevents bitterness.
  • If you want a thicker concentrate, simmer it a bit longer, but keep an eye so it doesn’t burn.
  • Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the flavor if you plan to use the concentrate in savory dishes.
  • Store your concentrate in a clean glass container to keep it fresh longer and prevent any plastic aftertaste.
  • Freeze leftover concentrate in ice cube trays for convenient, ready-to-use portions.
  • Use within 2–3 weeks if refrigerated, or up to 3 months if frozen.