Five ideas for preserving Meyer lemons (recipe: Meyer Lemon Finishing Salt) (2024)

Winter is spilling over into its sixth month, bringing snow and freezing temperatures once again to our northern city.

At dinner yesterday I tried to look on the bright side: “At least we don’t have to mow the lawn”, then slumped back into my chair, sighing over the elusive spring and her warm winds.

Last month I collected myself and resolutely embraced winter salads, but early March found me longing for fruit other than lackluster apples.

Spurred on by fellow home preserving enthusiasts, Marisa and Autumn, I treated myself to a box of Meyer lemons from Lemon Ladies Orchard in California.

In record time the lemons arrived in good shape, and opening the box was better than unwrapping a Christmas present. The sweet smell perfumed my kitchen instantly and almost as quickly, my head began to swirl with ideas.

I was smitten.This small shipment was just the inspiration I needed in the kitchen and the prefect antidote to winter blahs.

I set aside most of the Meyer lemons for preserving, but zested a few into madeleines for breakfast, and roasted a couple others with potatoes. I had grand ideas for cheesecake and custards, but alas, my stocks dwindled quickly.

Five ideas for preserving Meyer lemons

On Friday I baked my Meyer Lemon Bundt Cakeand on Saturday, after a pancake breakfast, I started on my preserving projects.

Here’s a look at the results which hopefully provide inspiration for your own lemon party. Maybe it can take your mind off of Spring, and her delayed arrival.

These ideas and recipes can work with regular lemons as well, so don’t be stalled if you can’t find Meyer lemons in your area.

Meyer Lemon Marmalade

It’s been two whole years since I’ve made a batch of marmalade. What-the-what? That’s just crazy. As this was spread on toast and enjoyed loooong ago, I was the most excited about revisiting marmalade, and chopped my lemons with gusto.

Meyer Lemon Sugar

I’ll be rationing out this perfumed Meyer lemon-scented sugar in the weeks to come, sprinkling it over yogurt, poached fruit, and pancakes, as well as baking it into delicate cakes and soft shortbread cookies. It’s so simple to make, I’m considering gifting jars of it to Noah’s school teachers come June and school end.

I used about 1 cup of sugar per lemon, zesting the citrus right into the bowl of sugar. The lemons are small though, so depending on the size of your lemons, you could probably have more of a 1.5 cups of sugar/zest of lemon ratio.

To finish the sugar, massage the zest and the sugar together until combined, then spread it on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Place in a very slow (150F) oven for about 10 minutes or until the zest has dried. Cool, then crumble the lemon sugar in your hands until it is free of lumps. Transfer to an airtight jar and store at room temperature.

Meyer Lemon Infused Vodka

Right now, this is just a quick infusion of three Meyer lemons, quartered, and covered in about a cup of vodka. I’ll let it sit for a month or so, then perhaps add sugar, or maybe try this limoncello recipe. Anyway, I’ve got time to decide. This project can only result in something good!

Salt-Preserved Meyer Lemons

Preserved lemons are a wonderful way to insert a small burst of flavor into pastas, salads, fish plates and appetizers. Marisa recently shared a recipe for Spiced Preserved Lemons, which is simple and uses the whole lemon, but I like to juice a few lemons, add that to the salt to make a sort of slurry, then pack the lemons in it. Both methods yield good results.

I haven’t made preserved lemons in years, so I’m looking forward to cooking with these in a few months.

READ: How to use preserved lemons in cooking and baking – A recipe round-up.

Meyer Lemon Finishing Salt

Next to my precious marmalade, I was the most tickled about my small batch of lemon salt for finishing dishes like whole roast fish and salads, garnishing grilled foods, or just simply sprinkling on popcorn. It’s fast to make and absolutely wonderful to have on hand; I’m including the recipe in hopes that you give it a try.

Meyer Lemon Finishing Salt

The natural oils from the Meyer lemon zest perfume the sea salt making it a beautiful finish for fish, popcorn, vegetables, or grilled foods. Recipe adapted from Food in Jars cookbook.

5 from 11 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Condiments

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Calories: 1kcal

Author: Marisa

Ingredients

1/2 cup sea salt I used gray
2 small Meyer lemons scrubbed

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 150F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and measure salt into the middle of the paper.
Zest the lemons directly onto the salt, then rub the zest into the salt with your finger tips.
Spread the salt evenly around the pan and place in the oven.
Bake for about 15 minutes until the salt feels dry and the zest looks dehydrated.
Remove pan from oven and let cool completely. Break apart any chunks with your fingers, then transfer to a jar and seal

Nutrition

BONUS! Make and freeze Meyer Lemon Curd

Yes you can freeze lemon curd – any citrus curd, actually. I use this recipe for Orange Curd, and swap in any fresh citrus juice I have. It works for grapefruit, lemons, Clementines…all citrus.

Citrus curd is so delicious for tarts and pavlova, English trifle and Eton mess.

How do you like to use lemons and other winter citrus?

Five ideas for preserving Meyer lemons (recipe: Meyer Lemon Finishing Salt) (2024)

FAQs

What is the best salt for preserved lemons? ›

I use kosher salt (my go-to salt in the kitchen) because it tastes great and is inexpensive. A sterilized glass jar. Pick your jar size depending on how many lemons you want to preserve. The lemons will get smashed down and packed in tightly, so the jar will hold more lemons than you think.

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Do you wash the salt off preserved lemons? ›

For even more control, rinse the preserved lemons with cold running water to tame their salinity. If a recipe calls for preserved lemon paste, it's as simple as blitzing whole preserved lemons (seeds removed) in a food processor or blender until you achieve uniform consistency.

Learn More Now ›

What happens when you put salt in lemon? ›

The alkalising actions of lemon and salt are extremely beneficial for controlling your body's sensitive pH balance, which is critical for healthy system functioning.

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What is the best way to preserve lemons? ›

Method

Add some salt to the jar: Put 2 tablespoons of kosher salt at the bottom of a sterilized 1-quart wide-mouthed canning jar. ...
Scrub and cut the lemons: ...
Sprinkle with salt: ...
Add the lemons to the jar: ...
Add more lemon juice (if needed) and salt: ...
Seal and let sit, then refrigerate: ...
Use the preserved lemons:

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Can you freeze whole Meyer lemons? ›

To freeze whole lemons, place them in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Use whole frozen lemons for juicing. To thaw, microwave for a few seconds, or place the lemons in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes. Slice the lemon and juice.

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How do you protect Meyer lemons from freezing? ›

More elaborate protection can be provided by erecting a frame structure of wood or PVC pipe over the plant to facilitate the use of plastic or large tarps during particularly severe cold weather. Supplemental heat can also be provided under the covers; incandescent heat lamps and Coleman lanterns are useful."

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Can a Meyer lemon tree have too many lemons? ›

Be sure to look at the number of lemons you have growing. In order to prevent fruit overbearing, when your tree starts to fruit, you'll want to remove a few lemons in large clusters when they're pea sized. This will promote the growth of larger lemons when they reach maturity.

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What is the difference between pickled lemons and preserved lemons? ›

Although they are more commonly referred to as preserved lemons, the fermentation process creates the preserved or pickled lemons and helps develop their striking flavor -- so to call them a kind of pickle is strictly correct.

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How long do homemade preserved lemons last? ›

Once opened, a jar of preserved lemons will keep (if stored correctly in the refrigerator) up to a year. Unlike other fermented foods like kimchi or other pickles, preserved lemons aren't meant to be eaten alone. Instead they are used to season dishes, where they deliver a layered dose of salt, acid, and umami.

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Do you eat the skin of preserved lemons? ›

Both the flesh and rind of preserved lemons are edible. Preserved lemons that are cut before they're preserved will absorb more salt than those that are packed whole.

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Can I use iodized salt for preserved lemons? ›

Scrub lemons well before preserving, and use good salt (never iodized, as it can add an acrid quality to the brine).

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What kind of salt do you put in lemon water? ›

Himalayan salt is a natural source of essential minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium that are needed to keep the electrolyte balance in the body right. Himalayan salt and lemon water could be mixed to make a refreshing electrolyte drink that helps prevent dehydration, cramps, and nerve damage.

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Can preserved lemons be too salty? ›

Since preserved lemons are brined in salt, giving them a quick rinse before using them is a sound way to remove any excess saltiness. The rinsed lemons will still be quite salty; you aren't losing out on any of their flavor by rinsing them.

Does table salt react with lemon? ›

Why this thing happens? Because salt contains starch when lemon juice is added into it. It changes to blue-black, because of iodine present in lemon juice.