How to Make Real Lemon Juice Concentrate

Lemons are a pricey commodity during the off season, sometimes averaging a dollar a lemon! When life gives you lemons at a good price, don't make lemonade, make a fresh lemon juice concentrate to get you through the rest of the year. Homemade concentrate will save you from the over-sweet, chemically enhanced, frozen juice concentrate available at your local grocery store, and will ensure that no matter what the season, a fresh glass of lemonade is available in minutes. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

Juice about 15 fresh lemons, for a total measurement of 3 cups juice. Strain the juice through a sieve or strainer to remove any seeds or pulp strings that have fallen in. Set aside.

2

Boil 3 cups sugar with 2 cups water in a large saucepan. Make sure all of the sugar disappears (as when making jam or jelly). When the water/sugar mixture boils, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

3

Combine the 3 cups lemon juice with the sugar syrup and mix well. When the mixture is cool to room temperature, divide into two or three freezer-safe plastic containers and freeze. You can store the frozen concentrate in the freezer for up to six months.

4

When ready to make lemonade, thaw the lemon concentrate in the fridge, on the counter, or in a water bath . Mix one container (if divided in two) with 3 cups water. If divided into three containers, mix one container with 2 cups water. Stir, pour over ice, and drink up.