Lemon Cordial . . .

When life gives you lemons make lemonade - or in my case cordial.

In the summer I love to have it poured over lots of ice. However, at this time of the year I love to have it as a hot drink. I dilute it 1 to 4 but it is really a personal choice. As well as mixing it with water, it is also lovely with soda or tonic water. This sparkling water adds a lovely fizz that brings out the flavour. It is also delicious when you add a dash to a gin and tonic, it is fun being an adult.

After picking and washing the lemons, I zested them. Always zest before you squeeze the juice, this is much easier while the fruit is firm. If you don't have a zester, just take a very thin sliver with a peeler. Making sure you don't include any of the white pith as this will make it very bitter. Then squeeze out the juice. You need to use nice ripe lemons, a ripe lemon feels slightly soft when squeezed. If the lemons are firm, once zested microwave for about 20 seconds until warm. This helps to break down the lemon and create more juice. To help this along, roll the lemon firmly on the bench once warmed. Cut it in half and juice.

Put the sugar and water into a pot and bring to the boil. Turn it down, add the juice and zest, simmer for 20 minutes don't let it boil. Strain the mixture through a sieve and pour into sterilised bottles. This makes about a litre of cordial. Store in the refrigerator. Dilute to taste and enjoy.

Lemon Cordial Recipe . . .

2 cups water 

2 cups sugar 

2 cups lemon juice

Lemon zest

Prepare as above.

While I was out in the citrus garden picking the lemons, I also checked out the mandarin trees. The Autumn tree is nearly depleted, but the fruit has been juicy and delicious. The winter fruiting tree is ripening nicely and is absolutely laden this year. We are totally blessed to have fresh fruit every month of the year on the farm. 

#LemonCoridal  #Lemonade  #LemonSquash  #CitrusFruit

10th May 2024