How To Make the Best Lemon Pickle at Home?
Pickled lemon is a popular condiment in many cuisines, especially in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Here are some tips for making the best lemon pickles at home:
- Choose fresh and firm lemons. Use fresh, firm, and juicy lemons with a thick rind to provide the best texture and flavor in pickles. Avoid very ripe lemons.
- Wash and dry the lemons. Wash the lemons well and dry them before cutting them. Otherwise, moisture may cause the marinade to deteriorate.
- Cut the lemons evenly. Cut the lemons into quarters, but do not cut the base. In this way, the shape of the lemons is not distorted.
- Use the right amount of salt. Add salt according to the number of lemons. Do not use too little or too much salt. Adding a little salt to the pickle will cause the pickle to deteriorate; adding too much salt can cause the marinade to be too salty.
- Use high-quality spices. Use fresh and quality seasonings for the best flavor. Roasting spices before grinding can also enhance their flavor.
- Make sure you measure the ingredients correctly. Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale for salt and spices to ensure the pickles are well-balanced and flavorful.
- Make sure all jars and ingredients are completely dry before you start pickling. Otherwise, moisture may cause the marinade to deteriorate.
- Sterilize jars properly. Use a clean and dry glass jar with an airtight lid to store the pickles. Do not use a plastic jar, as the plastic jar may react with the acids in the pickle.
- Use a clean and dry spoon.
- Ripen the pickle. Let the marinade ripen in the refrigerator for at least a week or two for the flavors to fully develop.
What Are the Best Lemon Types for Lemon Pickles?
Any type of lemon can be used to make lemon pickles. However, hard, juicy, and thick-skinned lemons are best for pickling. This helps the lemons retain their shape during the pickling process and prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy.
Meyer lemons are a popular choice for pickling lemons, as they have a slightly sweeter flavor and a thinner rind. This makes them easy to cut. However, regular lemons such as Eureka or Lisbon can also be used for a sharper lemon flavor.
Choose lemons that are fresh and in good condition to provide the best flavor and texture in the pickle.
How To Serve Lemon Pickles?
Pickled lemon is a versatile seasoning that adds a tangy, spicy flavor to many dishes. It is usually served with yogurt, red onion and tomato salad.
This homemade lemon pickle is served as a side dish or alongside rice dishes and lentil dishes. It can also be served with meats such as grilled chicken and lamb. It is used as a filling material in sandwiches.
Here are our delicious recipes that you can serve with Lemon Pickle:
- Chicken Biryani
- Indian Fried Paneer Cheese Pakora
- Butter Chicken
- Chickpea Salad Sandwich
- Homemade Naan Bread
How To Store Pickled Lemons?
Store homemade lemon pickles at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Pickled lemons can be stored at room temperature for up to a month, but for long-term storage, it is best to store them in the refrigerator.
Here are some tips for storing pickled lemons:
- To keep the pickles fresh and delicious for a long time, store them in an airtight glass jar.
- Keep the pickle closed. After adding the lemon, salt, and spices to the jar, make sure the marinade is completely covered with lemon juice. This will help preserve the marinade and prevent mold growth.
- Shake the jar regularly. Shake the jar every few days to evenly distribute the spices and flavors.
- Use a clean and dry spoon. When serving the lemon pickle, use a clean and dry wooden spoon to prevent moisture from entering the jar and spoiling the pickle.
- Check if the pickle is spoiled. Discard the pickle, if there is an odor or color change.