Lemon
A citrus powerhouse that brightens every dish it touches. Lemon juice adds acidity and freshness, while the zest (outer peel) contains intensely flavored oils. A squeeze of lemon is often the missing ingredient when something tastes 'flat.'
Where to Find It
Produce section, near other citrus (limes, oranges). Sold individually or in mesh bags. Bottled lemon juice is in the juice aisle or near the produce section — decent for cooking but fresh is always better.
How to Pick a Good One
Heavy for their size (more juice). Bright yellow, smooth thin skin. Avoid hard, thick-skinned lemons — they have less juice. A slight give when squeezed is good. Meyer lemons are sweeter and less acidic — a different experience than standard Eureka/Lisbon lemons.
How to Store
Counter: 1 week. Refrigerator (in a sealed bag): 3-4 weeks. Juice: freeze in ice cube trays for months. Zest: freeze in a zip-lock bag. Cut lemons: wrap in plastic, refrigerate, use within 3-4 days.
Shelf life: Counter: 1 week. Fridge: 3-4 weeks. Juice frozen: 3-4 months. Zest frozen: 6 months.
Prepping Tips
Roll on the counter with pressure before cutting — loosens the juice sacs for more yield. Microwave for 10 seconds for even more juice. Zest BEFORE juicing (much easier). Use a microplane for fine zest. Avoid the white pith — it's bitter.
Substitutions
Lime juice
Equal amountSlightly different flavor but works in almost any savory application.
White wine vinegar
Half the amountFor acidity in dressings and sauces. More intense, no citrus flavor.
Orange juice + vinegar
2 tbsp OJ + 1 tsp vinegar per 2 tbsp lemon juiceApproximates the sweet-tart profile in a pinch.
Common Uses
Frequently Asked Questions
How much juice is in one lemon?
A medium lemon yields about 2-3 tablespoons of juice. A large lemon can give up to 4 tablespoons. Roll the lemon firmly on the counter before cutting and microwave for 10 seconds to maximize yield.
Can you freeze lemon juice?
Yes, and you should! Freeze in ice cube trays (about 1 tablespoon per cube), then pop into a zip-lock bag. Lasts 3-4 months. Thaw at room temperature or toss frozen cubes directly into soups, sauces, and dressings.
What is the difference between lemon zest and lemon juice?
Juice provides acidity and tartness. Zest (the outer yellow peel, grated finely) provides concentrated lemon flavor and aroma from essential oils — without the sourness. Many recipes call for both because they do different things. Always zest before juicing.
Recipes Using Lemon
65 recipes in our collection use lemon.
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta
- Sheet Pan Salmon & Vegetables
- Classic Chicken Caesar Salad
- Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Breast
- Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Garlic Butter Green Beans
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
- Greek Chicken Gyros
- Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Shrimp Scampi
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Eggs Benedict
- Shakshuka
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Pan Seared Scallops
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip
- Pasta Primavera
- Shrimp Linguine
- Overnight Oats
- Coleslaw
- Caesar Salad
- Garlic Bread
- Apple Crisp
- New York Cheesecake
- Tiramisu
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Beer Can Chicken
- Chicken Shawarma
- Falafel Wrap
- Chicken Tandoori
- Tom Kha Gai
- Banh Mi Sandwich
- Ceviche
- Marry Me Chicken
- Homemade Chicken Soup from Scratch
- Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
- Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings
- Osso Buco alla Milanese
- Chicken Marsala
- Maine-Style Lobster Roll
- Beer-Battered Fish and Chips
- Maryland Crab Cakes
- Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
- Chicken Biryani (Hyderabadi Style)
- Palak Paneer
- Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon
- Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi
- Classic Cheese Soufflé
- Creamy Wild Mushroom Risotto
- Crispy Crab Rangoon
- Filipino Pancit Bihon
- Classic Chicken Piccata
- Skillet Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Perfect Herb Roasted Chicken
- Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
- Lobster Mac and Cheese
- Maryland-Style Crab Cakes
- Seared Scallops with Brown Butter
- Thai-Style Coconut Curry Chicken
- Hearty Lentil Soup
- Italian Wedding Soup
- Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
- Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter
Nutrition
Per 1 medium lemon, juiced (48ml juice)
Key Nutrients