Lemons are fruits that are available all year round, but Meyer lemons are usually only available in the fall, around October. The price of Meyer lemons fluctuates at around 35,000 VND per kilogram. Soaking a few jars of Meyer lemons during this time allows you to have lemons to use throughout the year for treating coughs and drinking every morning…
Meyer lemons have thin skin, peach-colored flesh, and a mild but not tart taste like regular lemons.
How to choose good Meyer lemons:
Choose fresh and juicy lemons, ripe and shiny, with thin skin. When pressing their skin, they should have a cool and refreshing aroma. If pressing the skin releases a strong, pungent smell, it means that the lemons have been sprayed with a lot of pesticides.
For soaking Meyer lemons, it is best to use pure honey to avoid counterfeit honey. If using sugar, choose naturally crystallized sugar without any bleaching process.
When soaking Meyer lemons, use ceramic or glass jars instead of plastic ones.
To prevent the lemons from becoming discolored, the jars should be rinsed with hot water and dried before adding the lemons.
The soaking ratio is 1kg of Meyer lemons to 1 liter of honey or 0.5kg of sugar (you can use a total of 1.5 liters of honey without sugar), in case you are unsure about the quality of the honey and prefer to use sugar, then use 1.5kg of sugar.
How to prepare the lemons:
After purchasing the lemons, rinse them thoroughly and let them dry. Cut the lemons into slices about 0.7cm thick, not too thin as the lemons may lose their juice.
It is recommended to use a stainless steel knife that is sharp and rust-free to prevent the lemons from losing their juice.
If the sugar is in large solid chunks, break them into small pieces to create space when layering the lemons in the jars.
Layer the lemons and sugar in the jars, with the honey added in between the layers. The final layer should be sugar to weigh down the lemons and prevent them from floating up. It is important to note that if the lemons float on top of the sugar and honey, they will become moldy and ruin the jars of soaked lemons.
Regularly check the jars and remove any foam that forms on top. If the lemons float, press them down. You can add a small amount of salt to the soaking jars to prevent the formation of bubbles.
Do not fill the jars completely, but leave some empty space to allow for gas formation when first soaking. If the jars are filled to the brim, the liquid might overflow. Meyer lemon soaked jars can be used after about 3 months, but the lemons may taste bitter when soaked immediately. If the quality of the honey and sugar is good, the soaked lemons can last for a year. It is best to store the jars of soaked lemons in a dry and airy place, away from humidity and direct sunlight.
Some health benefits of Meyer lemons:
Meyer lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help enhance overall health. Honey is also high in natural vitamins and minerals, making it beneficial for health. The combination of Meyer lemons and honey can be consumed daily in the morning to detoxify the body.
Treating cough and soothing a sore throat: When experiencing a cough or a sore throat, drinking Meyer lemon soaked in honey with warm water can help improve these conditions.
Improving cardiovascular health: Potassium, vitamin C, and other electrolytes in Meyer lemons can help lower blood pressure by reducing stress on arteries and preventing heart disease, arterial plaque, and stroke.
Boosting the immune system: Meyer lemons and honey are natural foods that support the immune system due to their high vitamin C content, which acts as an antioxidant. Drinking Meyer lemon soaked in honey daily can help reduce stress, improve skin health, and prevent cellular damage.
Reducing inflammation in the body: Meyer lemon soaked in honey contains many antioxidants that help fight bacteria and viruses and reduce inflammation in the body.
Oral health protection: Vitamin C in Meyer lemons is an essential vitamin for treating gum problems. People with tooth decay and gum inflammation can benefit from rinsing with Meyer lemon water.
Improving brain function and memory: Meyer lemons are rich in sodium, an element known for enhancing brain function, and vitamin E, which improves brain function and reduces neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Cancer prevention: Vitamin C and flavonoids in Meyer lemons have anti-cancer properties.
Improving digestion: Meyer lemons contain a large amount of soluble fiber, which helps maintain regular bowel movements and improve digestion. Honey is also a natural food that is good for softening the intestines, preventing constipation, and cleansing the digestive system. Drinking Meyer lemon soaked in honey regularly can help improve overall health.
Meyer lemon soaked in honey can be consumed every morning after waking up and before going to bed to detoxify the body effectively. Meyer lemon water is considered a good beverage for rejuvenation, anti-aging, and weight loss.
Instead of squeezing fresh lemons every day, you can use Meyer lemons soaked in honey as a substitute, which provides the same health benefits.