Lemon juice

Fridge

Just like the fruit it comes from, lemon juice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in cooking, cleaning, and even medicinally. Lemon juice is often used to marinate and tenderize meat, add flavor to drinks, whisk up dressings, and prevent fruits and vegetables from browning. Lemon juice can often be found bottled at the grocery store or you can get lemon juice right from the source itself—by juicing the fruit. But, is one better than the other? When it comes to bottled or fresh lemon juice, it really comes down to preference. The taste between the two are virtually the same, although a refined palate may detect a more pronounced flavor from fresh lemon juice. The biggest difference is that bottled lemon juice may also contain preservatives, but even still, sometimes it’s just easier to reach for bottled juice! If you opt for fresh, try rolling the lemon on the counter with your hand or a rolling pin before juicing. Doing so will help release the juice inside the fruit so you extract more when you cut it open. You can even pop the lemon in the microwave for 10 to 30 seconds to yield an even higher amount of juice. How much lemon juice can you expect to get from a lemon? One lemon should yield you 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice. If a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, it’s safe to assume you can use half of a lemon. Similar to the whole fruit, lemon juice is known for health benefits. It may promote weight loss by helping you feel full for longer. Citric acid in lemon juice may prevent kidney stones from forming, while the high fiber might help to regulate blood sugar and aid in digestion. One word of caution when it comes to lemon juice, the acidity in the juice can harm tooth enamel if consumed in large quantities. Additionally, lemon is a citrus fruit that can increase gastric acid production. This isn't recommended for people who have GERD, and acid reflux as it can cause heartburn. However, consuming lemon juice in moderation, especially if cooked with, shouldn’t pose any problems.

Lemon juice nutrition and vitamin info per 100g

Energy	22	kcal
Total Fat	0.23999999463558197	g
Carbohydrate Total	6.900000095367432	g
Sugars	2.5199999809265137	g
Protein	0.3499999940395355	g
Sodium	1	mg
Fiber	0.30000001192092896	g