Picking lemons from a tree may seem like a daunting task but with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be an enjoyable experience. To successfully pick your lemons, start by making sure the tree is healthy and has good growth. Once you have established this, you’ll need to ensure you have all the appropriate tools to hand. A sturdy ladder that can reach the fruit is essential, and a pair of sharp pruners or secateurs for clipping the stalks will come in very handy. Secondly, you’ll need a large soft bag or container to put the harvested fruit in. This will help to protect the delicate skin of the fruit from getting scuffed or bashed. When you are ready to begin harvesting, take the pruners and cut the fruit away from the tree. Aim to leave sufficient stalk length so that the fruit can still be easily handled. Also make sure to pick only ripe fruit as this will give the best flavor. Don’t be tempted to take immature fruit, as they will be sour and not what you are looking for! Finally, place the fruit in the large container and leave them to ripen if you’re not ready to use them just yet.
Picking Right
Once the right tools, ladder, and bag or container have been acquired, the next step is to make sure the lemons are being picked at the right time. Look for fruit that is slightly soft, fully yellow in color and fragrant. This suggests mature, ripe fruit and will give you the best results. If the climate is very hot and dry, the fruit could become over ripe quickly so it’s important to check often and pick frequently. To get the best from the tree, pinch off the whole fruit, instead of just harvesting the bottom half or a few slices. This will help keep the tree healthy and can prevent diseases or damage to it in the long run.
Pruning the Tree
It is important to prune the tree regularly. This helps the branches stay strong and healthy by removing any weak or brittle limbs. Pruning can also increase the amount of fruit a tree can produce. Prune away any fruited branches at the end of the season to make room for new fruits the following year. Furthermore, if you need to prune a branch during the fruiting season, make sure to cut it back just to where it begins to branch off. Doing this will help keep the fruiting buds safe and will mean there is potential for more fruit the following year.
Cleaning the Fruit
Once lemons have been harvested, they should be cleaned before they are stored or eaten. Gently wipe off any dirt or debris with a clean damp cloth. This will help the fruit stay fresh and free from bacteria. When storing the fruit, it’s best to keep it at room temperature. Storing it in the fridge can lead to a decrease in flavor and texture. Keeping the lemons away from other strong flavored ingredients is also wise, as they can easily absorb other aromas.
Storing the Lemons
Once the lemons have been picked and cleaned, the best way to store them is to place them in a plastic bag or container and refrigerate. This will help to keep them fresh for longer. Lemons will stay fresh for a few weeks in the fridge, and for up to 3 months if frozen. Alternatively, freshly picked lemons can also be preserved in a sugar syrup, which will help them keep for up to a year. Lemons can also be dehydrated and made into a delicious powder which will last for many months, if stored properly.
Picking, Pruning and Treating Diseases
There are a few diseases that can affect the lemon tree, such as the common fungal canker which can cause fruit to drop off prematurely. If you see signs of this, it is important to prune away any affected branches. It is also important to be vigilant when picking and pruning the tree, to make sure any insects or pests are not present that may harm the tree. Look out for signs of disease or damage and take appropriate action.
Using Lemon Juice
Once the lemons have been picked, you can now reap the benefits. Fresh lemons can be used for zesting, juicing, marinades, dressings, sauces and much more. Lemon juice can also be used as a natural cleaning product and has many antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Lemon juice has a high acidity and is great for adding tartness and flavor to both sweet and savory dishes.
Making Lemon Infusions
Lemon infusion is a simple process that lends an interesting and zesty addition to many dishes. It is an easy way to incorporate the taste of lemons into drinks, desserts and even salads. The process is relatively simple: begin by combining lemon juice and equal parts water in a pot. Let it simmer and reduce until the liquid has heated and been reduced to a thick syrup. Once it reaches a thick enough consistency, remove the pan from the heat and strain the syrup into a jar. The result is a rich and vibrant lemon infusion that can be used in a variety of dishes or drinks.
