Honeyed Lemons Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Homemade Condiment
The Honeyed Lemons Recipe is a simple yet delightful way to preserve lemons and infuse them with natural sweetness. This versatile preparation requires only two ingredients: fresh lemons and honey. To create this treat, slice the lemons thinly and layer them in a clean, sterilized jar. As you add each layer of lemon slices, drizzle a generous amount of honey over them until the jar is full. Seal the jar tightly and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours before refrigerating. Over the next few days, the honey will extract the juices from the lemons, creating a tangy-sweet syrup that can be used in tea, desserts, or marinades. The preserved lemons themselves are perfect for adding a zesty twist to dishes or as a soothing remedy for sore throats. With minimal effort, this recipe yields a flavorful and versatile ingredient for your kitchen.
Honeyed Lemons Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Homemade Condiment with Health Benefits
Honeyed lemons are a timeless combination of sweet honey and tart lemons, creating a deliciously versatile condiment. Whether you use it to soothe a sore throat, enhance a cup of tea, or add a burst of flavor to baked goods, this simple yet effective recipe is a must-have in your kitchen repertoire. Beyond its culinary uses, honeyed lemons boast numerous health benefits, thanks to the natural antioxidants, vitamin C, and antibacterial properties of both honey and lemons.
Honeyed Lemons Recipe
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Mason jar or airtight container
Ingredients
- 4 lemons, thinly sliced
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Slice the lemons thinly and remove any seeds.
- In a saucepan, combine the honey and water. Heat over medium heat until the honey is fully dissolved, stirring occasionally.
- Add the lemon slices to the saucepan and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the lemon slices become slightly translucent.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the honeyed lemons and syrup into a mason jar or airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the honeyed lemons as a sweet and tangy topping for desserts, yogurt, oatmeal, or cocktails.
Notes
- Choose Ripe Lemons: Select ripe, juicy lemons for the best flavor. Look for lemons with smooth, firm skin and a vibrant yellow color.
- Experiment with Flavors: Get creative with flavor variations by adding herbs or spices to the honey syrup. Try adding a few sprigs of fresh mint or a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the honey syrup before adding the lemon slices and adjust the sweetness to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add more honey. For a lighter touch, reduce the amount of honey used.
- Store Properly: Store the honeyed lemons in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They can last for up to two weeks when properly stored.
- Serve in Various Ways: Experiment with different serving options for honeyed lemons. They can be served as a topping for desserts like ice cream or pound cake, stirred into cocktails or mocktails, or even enjoyed on their own as a refreshing snack.
Why Make Honeyed Lemons?
This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly cost-effective. With just two ingredients—fresh lemons and high-quality honey—you can create a product that’s both delicious and beneficial for your well-being. The process of combining honey and lemons enhances their natural flavors and preserves the mixture, making it a fantastic long-lasting addition to your pantry.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional benefits per tablespoon of honeyed lemons:
- Calories: 64
- Carbohydrates: 17g (mostly natural sugars from honey and lemon)
- Vitamin C: 15% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Antioxidants: Provides natural compounds that support immune health
- Other benefits: Contains trace amounts of potassium and antibacterial properties from raw honey
Note: The nutritional content may vary depending on the type of honey and lemons used.
Ingredients
- 3 large lemons (organic, if possible)
- 1 cup of raw honey (preferably organic and unfiltered)
Instructions for Making Honeyed Lemons
- Prepare the Lemons:
- Wash the lemons thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or wax. Use a vegetable brush if needed.
- Pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Slice the lemons into thin, even rounds, removing any seeds as you go.
- Layer the Lemons and Honey:
- In a clean, sterilized glass jar, start by adding a layer of lemon slices.
- Drizzle a generous amount of honey over the lemons, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Continue layering lemon slices and honey until the jar is filled, leaving a small amount of headspace at the top.
- Seal and Store:
- Seal the jar tightly with a lid.
- Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the lemons to release their juices.
- Refrigerate and Use:
- Store the jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
- Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even coating.
How to Use Honeyed Lemons
- As a Tea Additive:
- Add 1-2 lemon slices and a spoonful of honey syrup to a cup of hot water or tea.
- For Baking:
- Use the honeyed lemon slices as a topping for cakes, muffins, or pastries.
- As a Natural Remedy:
- Mix a spoonful with warm water to soothe a sore throat or cough.
- As a Topping:
- Drizzle the honey syrup over yogurt, pancakes, or oatmeal for a tangy sweetness.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.