Lemon season is coming to a close in these parts of the woods (hahha – I love saying that because I live in Silicon Valley). My husband went on a lemon picking bender one weekend, and I came home to over a dozen grocery bags filled with yellow yummy goodness. All picked. At the same exact time. Which, no matter how you slice it (hahaha AGAIN! Get it??? I know. I am freaking hilarious today) means there will be lots of moldy lemons.
And it drives me crazy, because moldy lemons don’t bother my husband. He almost likes it. I think he enjoys throwing them away, to tell you the truth. If he would keep with my schedule, this wouldn’t happen. But he sees a tree full of lemons, and he has to go and pick them all at the same time, knowing I couldn’t possibly deal with them all at once.
But then again, I didn’t pick two bags at a time like I said I would. So….
I lost a lot of lemons.
But losing a lot of lemons around these woods (teehee) still leaves you with, a heck of a lotta lemons.
Having kids, the best way to make use of lots of lemons, is lots of lemonade. In the canning world, this translates to canned lemonade concentrate.
Let me begin by sharing a recipe for the best pitcher of a basic lemonade. Having a giant lemon tree means this is an expert opinion here, people. EXPERT.
Make a simple syrup by bringing 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar to a boil over high heat. Stir the mixture constantly to prevent burning, and remove from heat as soon as the sugar has dissolved.
To your pitcher add 1 cup of fresh squeezed lemon juice, your simple syrup and 4 cups of cold water. Stir and enjoy the taste of pure lemon joy.
Now, can that. Here’s how:
Canned Lemonade Concentrate
makes nine pint jars
7 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
7 cups sugar
7 cups water
Directions:
- Sterilize your jars and lids.
- Add all ingredients to a non-reactive pot. Stirring often, bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that can’t be stirred down.
- Remove from heat, stir. Skim off foam if desired. I destire not (I don’t really find it necessary).
- Pour the lemonade concentrate into your hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch head space.
- Wipe the rims and seal the jar.
- Process in a boiling water bath for fifteen minutes (start counting once the water has reached a boil).
When you’re ready to enjoy your lemonade, add one pint of lemonade concentrate to your pitcher and two pints of cold water. Mix and enjoy.
A few extra notes: You can make any quantity you’d like, just be sure and maintain the 1:1:1 relationship between the lemon juice, water and sugar. Also, you might prefer your lemonade sweeter or less sweet, so experiment with how much water you add to the concentrate to make your perfect pitcher. Two pints water to one pint concentrate is my perfect mixture!
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And then when you are finished with this, take all of the left over lemon peels and stack them tightly in a mason jar. Cover with white vinegar, add the lid, and store for 3-4 weeks. After that, strain the peels from the solution and discard the peels. Fill a spray bottle half full with solution and top off with water. You’ll have a natural, cheap, lemon-scented all purpose cleaner that works wonders! Also works great with oranges.
What a great idea!!!! I wonder…should be ok to freeze in freezer bags, too, right? Just so happens my kids picked a huge bucket full of lemons yesterday! Perfect timing!!!! Gonna try that lemon cleaner too! THanks!!!!
Mrs Kezner – LOVE that idea on the cleaning solution! I do use my lemons for cleaning, but never thought of reusing those peels. You’re a genius! I love putting every last bit to use.
Nina – totally OK to freeze in bags but if you’re going to do that, you would save space to just freeze lemon juice in 1 cup quantities. Then, when ready to use make a simple syrup on the stove (1 cup water/1 cup sugar). Add the lemon juice and 4 cups of water. I do that all the time, but I need to can it because I have way too much for the freezer!
Another thing to do with the peels is to put a bunch in a jar with vodka, let sit in a cool, dark place for 4-6 months and you have lemon extract.
How long is the canned lemonade concentrate good for? I plan to can a bunch for xmas presents but want to put an expiration date on them.
Thanks!
-RA
Most canned goods are good for at least a year, including this recipe. Curds have an earlier expiration date – generally 6 months.
Excellent. Thanks so much!
I just found your website and I LOVE IT!!!!
Thanks
Thank you! You’re my favorite person of the day! =)
Could you make Limeaid concentrate the same way?
Absolutely.
Great ideas both for the lemonade and the cleaner and extract. Got a bunch of lemons from CA giving to me here in ID not they wount go to waist!!!
Funny you just wrote this because I spent last night juicing 9 cups of lemon juice from my tree! I told my husband and he said, “Great. Only 200 more cups to go!” It’s full-bloom lemon season here in California!
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