Is It Ever Okay to Use Bottled Lemon Juice? And Other Urgent Citrus Questions (2024)

You know how right when you thought things couldn't get bleaker, Netflix released Cheer and it was like you adjusted the brightness level on the world slash your phone just a little bit?

Well, that's sort of how it is with citrus season. You're smack dab in the middle of winter, halfway between apple season and berry season, and the only "holiday" to look forward to is Valentine's Day, which is just a product of capitalism anyway. But in that dark hour, the grocery stores seem to burst, all at once, with citrus of all shapes, sizes, and hues. There are the omnipresent lemons and limes, of course, but also the rarer varieties: pomelos, Sumo mandarins, Palestinian limes, bitter oranges, Ruby Red grapefruits. It's an oasis in the frozen tundra that is winter!

But how can you make the most of these undeserved riches? We're peeling back the layers of citrus—including whether it's ever okay to use bottled lemon juice and the one thing you should do before you get out your Microplane (you have one, right?)—below.

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Is It Ever Okay to Use Bottled Lemon Juice? And Other Urgent Citrus Questions (2024)

FAQs

Is It Ever Okay to Use Bottled Lemon Juice? And Other Urgent Citrus Questions? ›

It's (Almost) Never Okay To Use Store-Bought Citrus Juice

Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? ›

Opt for fresh lemon in uncooked recipes

Still, when heat isn't involved, there's very little that can replace the flavor of fresh lemon juice. Why? Bottled lemon juice has additives and preservatives to make it more shelf-stable.

Why can't you use bottled lemon juice for lemon water? ›

This is because bottled lemon juice usually contains additives and preservatives such as Sodium Metabisulphite (E223) or Potassium Metabisulphite (E224). Metabisulphites are used to preserve the natural colour of food and protect food against bacteria. They are commonly used in wine and beer making.

Does bottled lemon juice ever go bad? ›

Commercially produced lemon juice that has been bottled should be stored in the refrigerator once opened and lasts for 6-12 months. Unopened bottled lemon juice can last for a couple months past the best-by date. If opened after the expiration date, use within 1-2 months.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh for jam? ›

You can use bottled lemon juice or fresh. However, I personally look to use other complementary juices to certain fruit jams. Rather than rely on lemon juice I would for example use redcurrant juice from fresh redcurrants in a strawberry jam instead, or an acidic type of apple and apple juice in a blackberry jam etc.

When to use bottled lemon juice? ›

By using bottled juice, you ensure that your preserves have a consistent level of acidity, which makes them safe for canning. And when making jams or jellies, the degree of acidity in any citrus juice added affects the natural fruit pectin's ability to gel.

Is ReaLemon the same as lemon juice? ›

ReaLemon is prepared from lemon juice concentrate that is formulated at a controlled consistent strength, and after the addition of water, the end-product is a 100% lemon juice product. When bottled, filtered water is used and the product is reconstituted to the strength of natural lemon juice.

Can you use bottled lemon juice and honey for a cough? ›

1. Honey and lemon. Drinking hot water with lemon and honey is a well-known remedy, with the NHS stating that the drink "has a similar effect to cough medicines". Scientific studies have shown that honey can have a therapeutic effect on cough symptoms.

How much bottled lemon juice should I put in my water? ›

To obtain the health benefits of drinking lemon water, experts recommend adding three-fourths of a cup of lemon juice to your water per day.

Can I use jif lemon instead of a real lemon? ›

Jif Lemon 100ml can be used in recipes that require or recommend the use of lemon juice. Jif Lemon 100ml is a great way of adding low calorie flavour to dishes. Jif Lemon; it's lemon juice in a Jif!

Is bottled lemon juice still healthy? ›

For example, lemon juice of any form is still a rich source of vitamin C, studies have shown that the vitamins and minerals of fresh juice are far more potent than in juice from concentrate. Unsurprisingly, the same “rule” applies to a host of other benefits in lemon juice: minerals, protein, and even electrolytes.

How to tell if a lemon is bad? ›

Lemons that have gone bad typically become very soft. They may become slimy, look shriveled, or contain visible mold. If your lemons display any of these signs, it's best to just toss them out.

Can you substitute bottled lemon juice for real lemon juice? ›

To use: Shake well before use, and use the same amount of bottled lemon juice in a recipe as you would fresh juice. If a recipe specifies the juice of 1 lemon, replace it with 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice.

Does bottled lemon juice have citric acid? ›

Lemon juice and lime juice are rich sources of citric acid, containing 1.44 and 1.38 g/oz, respectively.

What is the best substitute for fresh lemon juice? ›

7+ Simple Lemon Juice Substitutes That Actually Work
  1. Lime Juice. Lime juice is always at the top of my list as the best across-the-board substitute for lemon juice. ...
  2. Lemon Extract. ...
  3. Citric Acid. ...
  4. White Wine. ...
  5. Rice Vinegar. ...
  6. Cream of Tartar. ...
  7. White Wine Vinegar. ...
  8. Mango Powder.
Sep 18, 2023

Is bottled lemon juice as good as fresh for cleaning? ›

Next, pay special attention to stained areas, using the lemon as a scrubber. Allow the juice to sit on the stains for a few minutes before rinsing and drying. The citric acid in the lemon will swiftly eliminate the stains. If you do not have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice for cleaning can be just as effective.

Can you use bottled lemon juice for drinks? ›

Stir together a batch of homemade lemonade using bottled lemon juice to save time. It's a sweet and refreshing treat! If you want a treat, make it yourself. It's a rule of thumb that makes sense to me, especially with sweet drinks.

How much lemon juice equals one lemon? ›

One regular-sized lemon contains about 2-3 tablespoons of juice. Since all lemons aren't exactly the same, we like to stay on the side of caution and assume that one lemon contains 2 tablespoons juice. This means, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, you'll need to use about ½ a lemon.

Is concentrated lemon juice good for your liver? ›

Scientists explain that lemons contain vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids and other bioactive compounds that fight oxidative damage and protect the liver. Additionally, studies have found that the liver produces more enzymes in the presence of lemon when compared to other food and drink.

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