Why you should be microwaving your lemons: Video

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Lemons and limes are versatile fruits that can be used in their entirety: from juice to rind. 

The citrus is used to make delicious homemade lemonade, key lime pies, lemon tarts, pastas, wedged as a garnish on your favorite drinks and so much more. But just because they've gone through the ringer and been drained of all their juices and their rinds, there’s still more they can do! Keep reading for some easy ways to make sure you’re getting the most out of every part of your lemons.

Watch this video to see how to get more juice out of your lemon.

Lemon juice

There are a lot of ways to juice a lemon, some easier than others. Regardless of your go-to method, there is something you should be doing to get the most juice out of it. Before you reach for your knife and juicer, consider this: put your lemon in the microwave.  

It sounds unconventional, but 20-30 seconds in the microwave will get the juices flowing. Smaller or older fruits might need less time. Be cautious when removing it, it might be a little toasty to the touch.

Gently roll the citrus using the palm of your hand on the counter or cutting board to break up the fibers inside. Now it’s ready to cut and squeeze. 

By the way, this also works for limes.

How long does freshly squeezed lemon juice last

Fresh lemon juice stored in the fridge should last up to two weeks. Room temperature juice should be used within a few days. 

You can also pour the juice into an ice cube tray and freeze it for later.

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Clean microwave with lemons

Don’t toss the peels once they’re juiced! Use them to clean the microwave, sink or cutting board. 

• For your microwave, put the peel in a bowl of water and microwave it. The steam will help clean your microwave and loosen any stuck-on gunk. Wipe the interior of the microwave with a damp cloth.
• For your sink, wipe the interior of the lemon along the inside of your sink. Then, cut it into smaller pieces and put it down the garbage disposal for a hands-free clean. 
• For your wooden cutting board, rub the raw edge of the lemon together with some salt along the cutting board to disinfect it.