Lemon Syrup Recipes

LEMON SYRUP

Steps:

• Scrub the lemons and pare the zest from 4 of them. Bring a pan of water to a boil, drop in all of the lemons, and leave for 1 minute. Lemons are often quite hard and unyielding-this will soften them, and they will give more juice when squeezed. Lift out the lemons and keep the lemon-infused water to one side. Squeeze the juice from the lemons and measure out 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons of it.
• Put the sugar, lemon zest, and 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons of the lemon-infused water into a saucepan. Heat gently to dissolve the sugar, then bring to a boil. Add the lemon juice and bring just to the boiling point. Remove from the heat and strain through a sieve into a pitcher. Pour immediately into hot, sterilized bottles (see p. 125) and seal immediately with sterilized screw-caps, corks, or swing-top lids.
• Let cool, then store in a cool, dry place or the fridge for up to 4 months. For longer keeping-up to 1 year-sterilize the filled bottles in a water bath (see p. 125).
• To serve, mix 1 part syrup to 4 parts water.
• Another way to increase the yield of juice from citrus fruits is to roll the fruit back and forth over a work surface, pressing down firmly with the palm of your hand, for 2 to 3 minutes.

LEMON SIMPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• Heat sugar, zest, and 2 cups water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil. Pour through a fine sieve into a medium bowl; discard solids. Let cool completely. Stir in lemon juice.

LEMON SYRUP

Steps:

• Heat lemon juice, water, sugar, lemon zest, and cornstarch in a pot over medium heat. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes; remove from heat.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes.
• Pour the lemon syrup into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top.
• Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles.
• Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
• Process jars in boiling water in a large pot for 10 minutes; remove jars from pot and allow to cool.
• Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight.