If you happen to’re like me and love a refreshing glass of lemonade on a sizzling day, this do-it-yourself lemonade recipe is simply what you want. The perfect lemonade recipe begins with homegrown natural lemons. Right here in Arizona, our lemon bushes have a protracted harvesting window—the lemons begin ripening in November and keep contemporary on the tree till April. Since the very best place to retailer citrus is on the tree, we harvest as wanted.
I received this recipe from my sister-in-law Julie (I’ve texted her extra instances than I can depend asking for it!), so I’m including it right here on the weblog for straightforward entry. You may attempt it too—thanks, Julie!
When the lemons start to melt, it’s a transparent signal that it’s time to reap them. We squeeze the lemons assembly-line fashion and freeze the lemon juice in pint jars. One jar makes one batch of lemonade, so it’s straightforward to thaw and use the juice when the temper strikes.
If you happen to’re fascinated by increasing your citrus backyard, try my posts on methods to develop citrus and methods to develop citrus in containers.
Citrus Season in Arizona
When lemon season ends (and belief me, lemon bushes are prolific!), you’ll typically have extra fruit than you need to use instantly. That’s why I freeze any further lemon juice in pint jars on the finish of the season. With this straightforward trick, you’re at all times prepared to combine up a cool, refreshing pitcher of do-it-yourself lemonade when the contemporary lemons are gone and the warmth kicks in.
Freezing the Further Juice
Right here’s how I do it:
Harvest and Squeeze:Anytime throughout the harvest window, rinse of the lemons, minimize them in half, after which use a juicer to extract as a lot juice as doable. For tips about getting essentially the most juice out of your citrus, try my information on methods to juice oranges (and lemons!).
Pour Into Jars:We love numerous pulp, however in case you favor a smoother texture, pressure the juice to take away any seeds or further pulp. Pour the juice into clear pint jars, leaving just a little area on the high to permit for growth when it freezes. These are the jars I exploit. Listed below are the leak-proof lids I exploit.
Freeze:Pop the jars into your freezer. If you’re able to make lemonade throughout the summer time, take away a jar and let it thaw in a single day within the fridge or on the counter for just a few hours. Freezing in pint jars makes it straightforward—one jar equals one gallon of lemonade.
Do-it-yourself Lemonade Recipe
Now, right here’s the household’s favourite recipe I exploit each time:
Elements:
Sugar: 1 1/2 to 2 cups – to style (begin with much less, you possibly can at all times add extra).
Lemon Juice: 2 cups (use freshly squeezed juice in season or thawed juice out of your freezer).
Water: Somewhat heat water to dissolve the sugar, then sufficient chilly water to fill a gallon pitcher.
Directions:
Dissolve the Sugar: In a gallon pitcher, add your sugar and pour in just a little heat water. Stir effectively till the sugar is totally dissolved.
Add the Lemon Juice: Pour in 2 cups of lemon juice.
Fill with Water: Add sufficient chilly water to fill the pitcher. Stir effectively to mix all of the flavors.
Serve: Pour your do-it-yourself lemonade over ice and benefit from the refreshing taste.
Take pleasure in fresh-squeezed taste all yr
This recipe is a household favourite at potlucks and barbeques all yr lengthy. I hope you take pleasure in it as a lot as we do.
For extra insights on choosing and having fun with citrus, you may also be fascinated by studying about completely different citrus varieties.
Cheers to contemporary, do-it-yourself (and homegrown) lemonade and the easy pleasures of summer time!
