Description
This is a simple recipe for canning lemons in sugar, resulting in sweet preserved lemons perfect for adding a bright, tangy-sweet flavor to drinks, desserts, or savory dishes. Using only lemons, sugar, and glass jars, this method requires no cooking and relies on refrigeration to create a syrupy, sweet preservation.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 lemons (for 3 pint size jars)
- 2-3 cups sugar
- 3 pint size glass jars
Instructions
- Sanitize jars and lids: Wash your jars thoroughly with soap and water. Fill each jar one-third full with boiling hot water, swirl around, then drain and repeat to ensure cleanliness. Alternatively, boil the jars in a large pot for 5 minutes or run them through the dishwasher. Do the same procedure with the lids.
- Prepare lemons: Wash the lemons thoroughly using a sponge or dish brush to remove any residues. Slice the lemons into rings or half circles according to your preference.
- Layer lemons and sugar: Place sliced lemons into the jars about half a lemon at a time. Cover the lemon slices generously with at least 3 tablespoons of sugar per layer.
- Repeat layering: Continue layering lemon slices and sugar alternately until the jar is full, pressing down the lemons gently as you layer to remove air pockets.
- Finish and refrigerate: Add extra sugar on top until the jar is full, then secure the lid tightly. For an enhanced presentation, you can place a decorative piece of fabric over the flat lid before screwing on the top. Place the jars in the refrigerator, where the sugar will naturally dissolve into a syrup over time, preserving the lemons.
Notes
- Ensure jars and lids are thoroughly sanitized to prevent spoilage.
- You can adjust the sugar quantity based on your desired sweetness and lemon tartness.
- This recipe requires refrigeration and is not shelf-stable like traditional canning methods involving heat processing.
- Allow the lemons to sit refrigerated for at least a week to develop the syrupy consistency.
- Use the preserved lemons to enhance beverages, desserts, or culinary dishes.
