You’ll only need a few simple ingredients: 1.5 kg of lemons, 50 ml of vinegar, 3 teaspoons of salt, 3 bay leaves, and 6 cloves of garlic. Yes, that’s it! Let’s dive into the steps.
Step 1: Prep Your Lemons Start by washing your lemons thoroughly under running water. It’s important to ensure they are clean and free from any impurities. Once washed, pat them dry gently with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Step 2: Sterilize Your Jar Choose a large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to store your lemons. To sterilize the jar, wash it with soap and hot water, then dry it in an oven at 100°C for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent any bacteria from spoiling your lemons.
Step 3: The Vinegar Bath In a large bowl, mix the vinegar and salt. Now, dip each lemon in this mixture, ensuring they are well coated. The vinegar and salt act as preservatives, keeping the lemons fresh and zesty for longer.
Step 4: Packing Up Place the lemons in the sterilized jar. As you layer them in, add the bay leaves and cloves of garlic between the lemons. These not only add an extra layer of preservation but also infuse the lemons with a delightful aroma and flavor.
Step 5: Seal and Store Once all the lemons are snugly packed in the jar, close the lid tightly. Now, store the jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The back of your pantry or a cupboard is an ideal spot.
And there you have it! A simple, fuss-free way to keep your lemons fresh for an incredibly long time. This method is not just practical but also adds a touch of gourmet flair to your kitchen. Enjoy your lemons in drinks, salads, or any recipe that calls for a hint of citrus. Happy cooking!