Even though oranges, lemons and limes aren't part of the dirty dozen fruits and vegetables, you should still wash citrus—even if you aren't going to use or eat any of the peel. You want to make sure that no bacteria gets into the fruit as you're cutting it up.
Be sure to wash and dry the fruit before using the zester. Cooks often skip the citrus rinse, because they're only using the juice—but be sure to run it under water and pat it dry if you plan on using the peel. If using both the juice and the peel, grate it first.
Myth: Produce Spray or Soap Is the Best Way to Clean Your Fruits and Vegetables. Fact: According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), washing fruits and vegetables with soap, detergent or commercial produce wash is not recommended.
Rather, dip a fruit scrubbing brush in the soapy water and gently scrub the fruit. Then rinse the lemons and limes under cool water. Dry the lemons and limes thoroughly with a clean dish towel before storing them. Verify that your refrigerator is set at the proper temperature and is cool enough.
Always wash lemons thoroughly before stashing them away in your freezer. You can also freeze lemon slices to add a spritz of lemon juice to drinks or dishes.
In Australia, however, we still use, to a lesser extent, wax made from shellac. This is a resin secreted by insects, which sadly renders the fruit unsuitable for vegans. Wax made from shellac can also contain morpholine, a compound banned in the EU for use in food.
Two things you can't clean with lemon juice are: 1) natural stone (countertops, flooring, etc.) and 2) anything that is brass plated, as the juice will damage them.
Gently rub produce while holding under plain running water. There's no need to use soap or a produce wash. Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers. Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria that may be present.
More From Good Housekeeping. Lemons could be contaminated for a number of reasons. While you might be diligent enough to scrub your lemons at home, there's no guarantee that the waitstaff at your go-to restaurant is washing every single one (or their hands after their bathroom break) to perfection.
Unwaxed lemons are ideal for slicing and adding to drinks or using as a garnish and when the zest is required. If a recipe uses lemon juice waxed lemons are the best choice. If you prefer to use unwaxed lemons but only waxed are available, simply lightly scrub the peel first to remove the wax.
After drinking the acidic lemon drink, rinse your mouth straight away with tap water. This will wash the acid away from the oral cavity and will help to return the normal pH balance in the saliva. Do not brush your teeth straight after drinking lemon water.
Slice the lemons in half. Sprinkle salt on the sides and bottom of your sink basin. Clean the basin using the lemon halves. The citric acid will cut grime, while the salt will help with the scouring process.
Lemons are acidic and therefore contain antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties, plus they cut grease, dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits and can be mixed with baking soda and vinegar to make a nifty cleaning paste.
Lemon. Using lemon in your bath refreshes and revives tired skin, and tightens pores to leave skin glowing. Lemon is also great for strengthening nails and lightening age spots.
1. Use as a hand sanitizer. Grant said that her grandfather used to use lemon as a hand sanitizer, and she, too, will often take the lemon out of a glass of water at a restaurant and use it for the same purpose. Simply take a fresh lemon slice and rub it into hands to remove germs and leave skin smelling great.
Yes! Many fruits naturally produce wax. But after they've been picked and washed, the fruit's natural coat comes off. Artificial wax is then sprayed onto fruit to keep the produce fresh and presentable for grocery stores.
Many people aren't aware that the lemons they buy in the supermarket are often coated in a thin layer of wax. This wax helps preserve the lemons and keep their rinds clear of any germs or insects while they're transported and sit in the store's produce bins.
How to Get Wax Off of Lemons. Lemons are often coated in a special wax to keep the peel glossy and you may want to remove this if you plan to zest the lemon. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using vinegar to make a fruit and vegetable wash. Combine one part white vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle ...
To freeze whole lemons, place them in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Use whole frozen lemons for juicing. To thaw, microwave for a few seconds, or place the lemons in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes. Slice the lemon and juice.