Microwave the lemon for a short period to help release more juice.
Sometimes you might want to get more juice out of a lemon, or perhaps you meant to ask how to get the most juice without specific equipment. Here's how microwaving can help:
Using Microwaving to Maximize Lemon Juice Yield
This method helps rupture the internal membranes of the lemon, making it easier to extract the juice.
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Microwave the Lemon: Place the whole lemon in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
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Cool Slightly: Let the lemon cool down enough to handle comfortably.
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Roll the Lemon: Before cutting, firmly roll the lemon on a hard surface (like a countertop) to further break down the pulp.
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Cut and Juice: Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice using your hands or a lemon squeezer. You should notice a significant increase in juice yield compared to squeezing a cold, un-microwaved lemon.
Why This Works:
The microwave warms the lemon, softening it and causing internal membranes to burst. Rolling the lemon achieves a similar effect. The combination of these two methods maximizes the amount of juice you can extract. A warmer lemon is also easier to squeeze.
This simple trick can significantly increase the amount of lemon juice you get from a single lemon, making it ideal for cooking, baking, or making lemonade.
