How To Make Lemon Extract
To make lemon extract, you will need the following ingredients:
Fresh lemons
Vodka (or another type of clear, unflavored alcohol with a high proof, such as rum or gin)
Here’s how to make lemon extract:
Wash and dry the lemons.
Using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, remove the zest from the lemons, trying to avoid the white pith as much as possible.
Place the lemon zest in a sterilized jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Pour enough vodka over the zest to completely cover it.
Close the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 4 weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days. The longer you let the extract steep, the more flavorful it will be.
After 4 weeks, strain the extract through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the lemon zest.
Transfer the extract to a clean, sterilized jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
You can use your homemade lemon extract in baking recipes, or add it to cocktails or other drinks for a burst of lemon flavor. Enjoy!
Tips for Making Homemade Lemon Extract
Here are a few tips for making homemade lemon extract:
Choose fresh, fragrant lemons for the best flavor. Organic lemons are a good choice because they are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Use a high-proof alcohol such as vodka, rum, or gin to make your extract. These clear spirits have a neutral flavor and will allow the lemon flavor to shine through.
Be sure to sterilize the jar and utensils you use to make the extract. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria and ensure that your extract stays fresh.
Remove as much of the white pith from the lemon zest as possible. The pith can impart a bitter flavor to the extract.
Allow the extract to steep for at least 4 weeks for the best flavor. You can leave it for longer if you prefer a stronger extract.
Strain the extract through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the lemon zest and any impurities.
Store the extract in a clean, sterilized jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. It will keep for several months or even longer if stored in a cool, dark place.
I hope these tips are helpful! Let me know if you have any questions.
Want to make an alcohol-free lemon extract?
https://youtu.be/F3mggrbKt5g
To make an alcohol-free lemon extract, you can use a base of water instead of alcohol. Here’s how to make it:
Wash and dry the lemons.
Using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, remove the zest from the lemons, trying to avoid the white pith as much as possible.
Place the lemon zest in a sterilized jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Pour enough water over the zest to completely cover it.
Close the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 4 weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days. The longer you let the extract steep, the more flavorful it will be.
After 4 weeks, strain the Alcohol free Lemon extract through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the lemon zest.
Transfer the extract to a clean, sterilized jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
This alcohol-free lemon extract can be used in the same way as traditional lemon extract, but it may not have as strong a flavor as an extract made with alcohol. You can also try using a base of vegetable oil or almond oil instead of water, which may result in a stronger flavor.
Keep in mind that alcohol-free extracts may not have as long a shelf life as extracts made with alcohol, so it’s best to store them in the refrigerator and use them within a few months
Lemon Extract Nutrition
Lemon extract is a concentrated form of lemon flavor that is used as a seasoning or flavoring agent in cooking and baking. It is made by extracting the essential oils from lemon peel and mixing them with alcohol or other solvents.
As a concentrated form of lemon flavor, lemon extract does not contain any significant amounts of nutrients. It is not a significant source of vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients.
If you are looking to add lemon flavor to your diet and are interested in the nutritional content of lemons, here are some nutritional facts about fresh lemons:
One medium lemon (about 58 grams) contains:
~17 calories
~0.6 grams of protein
~4.3 grams of carbohydrates (including 2.5 grams of fiber and 2.3 grams of sugar)
~0.3 grams of fat
~53 milligrams of vitamin C (88% of the recommended daily value)
~0.1 milligrams of thiamin (7% of the recommended daily value)
~0.1 milligrams of riboflavin (6% of the recommended daily value)
~0.1 milligrams of niacin (1% of the recommended daily value)
~0.1 milligrams of vitamin B6 (5% of the recommended daily value)
~0.5 milligrams of folate (13% of the recommended daily value)
~0.3 milligrams of pantothenic acid (6% of the recommended daily value)
10 milligrams of calcium (1% of the recommended daily value)
~0.3 milligrams of iron (2% of the recommended daily value)
~10 milligrams of magnesium (2% of the recommended daily value)
~6 milligrams of phosphorus (1% of the recommended daily value)
~7 milligrams of potassium (2% of the recommended daily value)
~0.1 milligrams of zinc (1% of the recommended daily value)
It is worth noting that the nutritional content of lemons can vary depending on factors such as the variety, growing conditions, and storage methods