The best uses for lemon juice

Food and drink

Pancake topping

Lemon juice and sugar are the traditional (and most popular) toppings for the thin type of pancakes eaten in the UK on Shrove Tuesday.

In fact the use of lemon juice as a pancake topping goes back almost as far as the pancake itself - which was around 600 AD. Find out more about pancakes and the ingredients used to make them here.

Salad dressing

Give green salads and cooked vegetables such as peas, green beans and asparagus a fresh, tangy flavour by whisking the juice of half a lemon with several tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and black pepper, and using it as a dressing. Top with fresh basil to really bring out the citrus flavours.

Cake glaze

Lemon juice can be used to make a glaze that adds flavour and keeps cake moist. Simply mix sugar into lemon juice until it has a runny consistency, then apply to the surface of a warm cake and leave to set. The cake still being warm is crucial, as it allows the glaze to properly sink into the cake.

Lemon scrambled eggs

Not only does lemon juice add a citrus flavour to scrambled eggs - helping balance out their richness, but by adding a tablespoons or 2 of the juice to the scrambled eggs as you whisk them it will add air pockets to make them extra light and fluffy as they cook in the hot pan.

Lemon curd

A highly versatile condiment that can be spread over toast, scones and hot cross buns, or added to puddings and ice cream, you make lemon curd by mixing lemon juice and lemon zest with sugar and butter in a heatproof bowl over boiling water. After 10 minutes of whisking it should thicken. Once it resembles custard it should be strained into jars and refrigerated once cooled.

Rising agent

A splash of lemon juice (a teaspoon or so) will act as a stimulant to baking soda or baking powder when used in a batter, and make whatever you are baking rise even more. Great for cakes, pancakes and scones.

Lemon rice

Add a good squeeze of lemon juice to the cooking water for rice, and it will absorb the fresh, zesty citrus flavours.

The perfect accompaniment for light, white meat dishes such as grilled chicken and pork kebabs.

Lemon Drop Martini

Similar to a classic martini with a twist, the Lemon Drop Martini can be made with vodka or gin, and is shaken in a cocktail shaker with ice until very cold.

For this cocktail you should also add triple sec (orange liqueur), fresh lemon juice and simple syrup to the ingredients. Shake all together and strain into a martini glass.

Non- food

Disinfectant

The acidity of lemon juice makes it naturally antibacterial and antiseptic, and so it's considered one of nature’s disinfectants.

You can use lemon juice diluted in water (1 part lemon juice to 2 parts water) to sanitise and clean things such as kitchen surfaces, microwaves, chopping boards, cupboards and non-electric kitchen appliances. It is important to note that if you are cleaning anything touched by raw meat or mould, lemon juice will not be sufficient to sanitise, and hot water and soap or commercial disinfectant should be used instead. Find out more about cleaning safety here.

Deodoriser

Lemon juice is full of citric acid, which can be used to neutralise alkaline odours, such as those caused by food, pets and must. Simply add the juice of half a lemon and some cloves to warm water and leave in the fridge, microwave or out on a flat surface to get a lemony fresh scent.

Stain Remover

Like vinegar, lemon juice is highly acidic and because of that, can be used as a stain remover - it does this by loosening the stain molecules so they can be washed away by water.

Whilst you will probably need a stronger stain remover for very stubborn marks, stains caused by fruit or drinks can be removed by mixing 1 part lemon juice and 2 parts water and applying directly to the stain and gently rubbing. The stain should begin to fade, after which the garment should be washed in the washing machine on a regular cycle to complete the removal.

Polishing shoes

Squeeze a small amount of lemon juice onto a fresh cloth and rub over leather shoes that have become dull, to clean them and give them shine.

Composting

Lemon juice - even recently expired lemon juice, can be added to compost in a compost bin - its acidity can encourage the compost to develop.

Metal cleaner

The natural acids of lemon juice don’t just help remove dirt and grease from metals such as aluminium, chrome and stainless steel (a favourite for pots, pans and other kitchen appliances and utensils), they help brighten the surface too. Simply rub the cut side of a halved or quartered lemon over the metal.

Lightening elbows

Sometimes the skin on the elbow can become dark, discoloured and patchy because the added wear and tear on this area encourages the skin to thicken. A small amount of lemon juice rubbed over the skin can help lighten and brighten the area.

Pest Repellent

You can pour undiluted lemon juice into cracks and crevices where pests such as ants or other insects are getting where they shouldn’t. Lemon juice that has been diluted with water can also be sprayed directly onto areas such as floors, near the door and window sills to deter insects from going there.

Spot treatment

Lemon juice has long been known for its antibacterial, disinfectant and antifungal properties, and was used for medicinal purposes even further back than the Middle Ages.

These properties make it useful for reducing spots and blackheads, though since skin is delicate you should dilute the lemon juice with water before applying it with a cotton pad or cotton wool bud.