Best Preserved Lemons Or Limes Recipes

PRESERVED LEMONS, LIMES, AND ORANGES

Steps:

• First, cut off the stem and tail of each piece of citrus.
• Next, slice each piece of citrus twice, 3/4 of the way down from the tops making an X. Do not cut all the way through. (Watch the video to see how to make the slices.)
• Take the first jar, and sprinkle about a tablespoon of salt on the bottom.
• If you want to add any herbs or spices, place them at the bottom of the jar. (Watch the video for an example.)
• Starting with the lemons, fill the cavity of each lemon, one at a time, with salt, and then place the lemon to form a layer into the first jar. After each layer of lemons is placed into the jar, squeeze them in as tight as possible and sprinkle them with salt before proceeding to add the next level of lemons. Repeat the process until you can fit as many lemons as possible in the jar. Be sure to press down on each layer of lemons as you fill the jar. After you have completed filling the jar with lemons, put a lid on the jar.
• While you were packing the jar, the lemons should be releasing juice to be covered with lemon juice. If they are not completely covered, wait a few days. When you check on them, if they are not yet covered with lemon juice, you can add additional lemon juice to make sure all the lemons are submerged under the juice.
• Store jar in a pantry or cupboard, out of direct sunlight, for 30 days.
• Repeat this process with the limes and the mandarin oranges.
• After 30 days, transfer preserved citrus jars to the refrigerator. The preserved citrus will last up to six months while refrigerated.

PRESERVED LIMES

Steps:

• Rinse limes; pat dry. Cut off ends and upend on a cut side. Make 2 perpendicular slits lengthwise into fruit to form an X, cutting only three-fourths of the way down. Pack lots of salt into slits and place limes into jar, pressing to compact and release juices. Seal jar; let limes sit at room temperature 12 hours. Uncover and press firmly again to compact. Repeat once or twice daily until limes are softened and submerged in juices, 2-3 days. (If there is not enough juice to submerge limes after 3 days, add fresh lime juice to cover.) Chill 1 month before using.
• Limes can be preserved 6 months ahead. Keep chilled.

PRESERVED LEMONS AND LIMES

Steps:

• Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and drop in the lemons and limes. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain. Combine the salt and lemon juice and pour a little in the bottom of a glass jar. Add the lemons and limes to the jar and pour in the remaining salt mixture. Seal tightly. Let stand for seven days, shaking the jar each day to redistribute the salt mixture. Rinse the salt off the lemons and limes before using.