Making lemon slices is a simple and delicious process, and it can be used to decorate drinks, cook, or as molasses lemon slices or to make lemon preserves. Here's a basic lemon slice making method for your reference:
Materials Required:
Fresh lemons: Choose lemons with smooth, undamaged skins.
Water: For washing lemons.
Sugar: used in the production of candied lemon slices.
Steps:
1.Purchase and Preparation:
Choose fresh, ripe lemons with a smooth, spotted or damaged rind. Wash the lemon thoroughly, making sure there are no pesticide residues or other impurities on the surface.
2.Slices:
Using a sharp knife, cut the lemon crosswise into thin slices. You can choose the thickness of the slice according to your preference, usually around 1 8 to 1 4 inches.
3.Remove Seed:
Using the tip of a knife or a small spoon, gently remove the seeds from the lemon slices so as not to affect the taste.
4.Boil:
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, blanch the sliced lemon in the boiling water for about 1-2 minutes. This step removes the bitterness and impurities of the lemon.
5.Cooling:
Remove the blanched lemon slices and place them in ice water to cool quickly. This helps to preserve the color and texture of the lemon slices.
6.Making candied lemon slices (optional):
If you want to make candied lemon slices, you can sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top of the boiled lemon slices. Marinate the sugar on top of the lemon slices and let them sit for a while to allow the lemon slices to absorb the sugar.
7.Tumble dry or air dry:
Spread the processed lemon slices on a paper towel or drying net and gently absorb any excess water with the paper towel. Then, you can choose to use the air-drying method, where the lemon slices are left to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area, or use a dryer to dry them.
8.Storage:
Completely dried lemon slices can be stored in a dry, cool place, or placed in an airtight jar. If you are making candied lemon slices, it is recommended to store them in the refrigerator.
Tips:
If you want a richer syrupy flavor when making candied lemon slices, you can add some lemon juice to the pickling process to enhance the taste.
Making lemon slices not only provides ingredients for decorating drinks and cooking, but also makes preserves to add a delicious snack. Depending on your taste, you can experiment with something creative, such as adding spices or mixing other fruits to make the lemon slices more varied.