Delicious Homemade Lemon Extract Recipe (2024)

Homemade lemon extract is a true lemon flavored ingredient, making it perfect for baking. This DIY lemon extract is made with two basic ingredients, and takes only minutes to make.

Baked goods such as, lemon shortbread cookies or lemon brownie bars, will contain the perfect lemon flavor because of this homemade item.

Lemon Extra | The perfect Lemon Flavor

Lemon extract is equivalent to liquid sunshine in a jar. Everything about homemade lemon extract screams sunshine, summer, and happiness. The color reminds me of the sun rays.

Purchasing lemon extract from the market is easy and convenient, but it lacks is the true lemon flavor. You can guarantee that a homemade extract will always contain better flavor.

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Preserving Lemons

Lemons are in season between November through April, making this the best time to purchase them at a great discount. It is during this time of the year which makes preserving lemons ideal.

Once harvested, fresh lemons store up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator. Lemons coated with wax keep longer than the 4 week period, 11 months longer.

To enjoy this seasonal fruit longer preserving it is the best option. Below are great methods for preserving lemons.

• Preserving lemons by freezing
• Fermented lemons
• Limoncello, an adult beverage using Meyer lemons
• Canned lemon syrup
• Salted lemons | Moroccan lemons
• Dehydrated lemons and other citrus fruit

But first, Remove the Waxy Coating

Lemons, along with many other fruits and vegetables, contain a waxy coating on the skin of the produce. The primary purpose for applying wax to produce is it.

Prior to consuming, or preserving, produce which contains a wax coating, the wax must first be removed. The waxy coating has the ability to hinder the outcome of the final product if not removed.

Removing wax from fruits and vegetables is extremely easy. The ingredients to complete the job done comes directly from the pantry. Not to mention, the wax is removed in a few short minutes.

Homemade Lemon Extract – Ingredients

• lemon zest, from 2 pounds of lemons
• vodka, 3 cups 80 proof

Equipment

• citrus zester
• quart size mason jar
• fine mesh jar sieve
• bottle funnel
• swing top bottle

Homemade Lemon Extract – Instructions

1. Remove the waxy coating from the lemon peels
2. Using a citrus zester, zest lemons. Take care to only zest the yellow skin and not the bitter pith under it.
3. Place 3 cups of 80 to 100 proof vodka into a quart size mason jar or 2 pint size jars
4. Add the lemon zest to jar
5. Place jars in a cool dark location for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake jar multiple times the first week, and every so often the remaining weeks.
6. Once the desired flavor has been achieved, strain the peel from the extract into a clean quart size mason
7. Using a bottle funnel pour the strained homemade lemon extract into a swing top bottle. For long term storage keep jars in a cool dark location.

Note

Use homemade lemon extract to add lemon flavor to baked goods, dressings, and even adult beverages.

Printable Recipe Card – DIY Lemon Extract

For your convenience a printable recipe card is now available. Enjoy!

Eliminate purchasing extract from the market by making your own. Enjoy the true flavor of what is being crafted.