Perfect! Thatβs a big lemon haul π‘π and you can truly stretch it into dozens of delicious recipes and even gifts. Hereβs a full recipe and guide to help you use every part of your lemons with zero waste:
big lemon haul π‘π
With just 2 boxes of organic lemons, a little sugar, and some vodka, you can create a whole pantry of lemon-based treats, drinks, and even future lemon trees. Hereβs how to do it step by step.
1. π Lemonade Concentrate (about 50 pints)
Perfect for freezing and mixing with water or sparkling water.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 20β24 lemons)
- 8 cups sugar
- 8 cups water
Steps:
- Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water until dissolved. Cool slightly.
- Mix with fresh lemon juice.
- Pour into pint jars or freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for later use.
To serve: Mix 1 part concentrate with 3β4 parts cold water or soda water.
2. π¬ Candied Lemon Peels (5 big batches)
A sweet treat made from lemon rinds.
Ingredients:
- Peels from 10β12 lemons
- 4 cups sugar (divided)
- 4 cups water
Steps:
- Cut peels into thin strips, removing as much white pith as possible.
- Boil peels in water 2β3 times (changing water each time) to remove bitterness.
- Simmer peels in 2 cups sugar + 2 cups water until translucent.
- Roll in remaining sugar, let dry on parchment.
- Store in jars β great for gifts or baking.
3. π§ Lemon Water (20 quarts)
Refreshing and hydrating.
Steps:
- Slice lemons thinly (with peels).
- Add slices to jars, fill with water.
- Store in fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze slices in ice cube trays for long-term use.
4. π― Lemon Simple Syrup (10 quarts)
For cocktails, teas, and desserts.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups lemon juice
- 4 cups sugar
Steps:
- Simmer lemon juice and sugar until dissolved.
- Cool, bottle, and refrigerate.
- Use in drinks, over fruit, or for sweetening iced tea.
5. πΈ Homemade Limoncello (almost 1 gallon)
An Italian classic!
Ingredients:
- Peels of 15β20 lemons (just the yellow, no white pith)
- 1 bottle vodka (750 ml, 80β100 proof)
- 4 cups sugar
- 5 cups water
Steps:
- Place lemon peels in a large glass jar.
- Cover with vodka and let steep 2β4 weeks in a cool dark place, shaking occasionally.
- Strain peels.
- Make a simple syrup with sugar + water, cool, then mix with infused vodka.
- Bottle and store in the freezer β enjoy ice cold.
6. π± Grow Baby Lemon Trees (gifts in 1β2 years)
Turn leftover seeds into living presents.
Steps:
- Rinse seeds thoroughly to remove pulp.
- Soak overnight in warm water.
- Plant Β½ inch deep in small pots of moist potting soil.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a clear lid to create humidity.
- Place in a sunny window β sprouts appear in 2β4 weeks.
- Grow in pots for a year before gifting.
β¨ Pro Tips for Zero Waste
- Zest lemons before juicing to use in baking, marinades, or to dry for seasoning.
- Freeze extra lemon juice in ice cube trays for portioned use.
- Use leftover pulp for cleaning sinks and cutting boards (natural disinfectant).
- Dry extra peels for tea blends or potpourri.
π Final Word
For just about $60 total investment, youβll end up with:
β
50 pints of lemonade concentrate
β
5 batches of candied peels
β
20 quarts of lemon water
β
10 quarts of lemon syrup
β
Nearly a gallon of limoncello
β
Dozens of baby lemon trees π±
Thatβs food, drink, gifts, and even future lemon harvests β all from 2 boxes of lemons!