Overview:
This Meyer lemonade recipe is very similar to my earlier Limeade recipe. However, the amount of the ingredients have been adjusted to account for the different flavor characteristicsof the fruit.
Background:
- I have several very fruitful Meyer lemon trees. See my last post for tips on growing Meyer lemon trees.
- With so many lemons, I have taken the opportunity to experiment in efforts to make the best possible Meyer lemonade.
- If you are looking for fresh, delicious, organic lemonade, then just follow my simple formula below.
What you will need for the Meyer Lemonade recipe:
- 8 to 10 Meyer lemons
- You need more Meyer lemons than you would standard lemonsbecause Meyers are milder.
- Juicer (I like the The Amco Lemon Squeezer)
- Pure cane granulated sugar (1/2 cup).
- You need less sugar than typical lemonade because Meyer lemons are naturally sweeter. Of course you can use more sugar if you like, but this amount is just my preference.
- Saucepan
- A 2-quart juice container
Note: If you just mix all of those ingredients together, it won’t taste very good. Following the simple steps and insights outlined below makes the world of difference.
Meyer Lemons and container
Step-wise instructions for your Meyer lemonade:
Step 1: dissolve the sugar
Note: This is an important step because cold sugar in water does not dissolve that well. As a result, if you put the sugar directly in your juice mix without dissolving the sugar crystals, the drink will be sour till you hit the bottom of the drink where the sugar settles… Then it will be painfully sweet. Yuck.
- Put about 1 cup of water and then 1/2 cup of sugar in your saucepan.
- Stir. (At this point the mix will look pretty milky)
- Turn on the heat of the stove to medium and bring the water to a barely perceptible simmer. As soon as you reach this minimal simmer turn off the stove. Don’t let it boil; you don’t want to burn the sugar or make a bubbling mess. You just want it to be warm enough to dissolve the sugar.
- Stir. When the sugar crystals are completely dissolved, the sugar water should look clear.
- Make sure to turn off the stove and move the sauce pan to a different burner that is turned off and let it cool down.
Milky looking undissolved sugar.
Step 2: get your container
- If you use a 2 quart container then you don’t have to measure the amount of water. You just fill up the pitcher with all the ingredients as outlined and then top it off with water when you are done.
- I like to use glass containers because I believe there are too many chemicals in plastic that can leach-out into what you are drinking. You can get the pitcher that I used in the pictures on Amazon. However, it certainly doesn’t have to be a glass container to make this lemonade.
Step 3: juice your lemons
- Cut 8 to 10Meyer lemons in half
- Squeeze/juice the lemons which should make about 2 cups of fresh Meyer lemon juice.
Side Note: There are a lot of juicers out there. Many of them are complicated, messy and difficult to use. However, about 2 years ago I found an awesome lemon juicer andI couldn’t be happier with it (see pictures). The Amco Lemon Squeezer is elegant, very simple to use, and easy to clean.
Tip 1: When using this juicer, you can just situate it over the container and save a step (see below). The juice goes directly into the pitcher without needing another container. I haven’t had any problem doing things this way, but depending on your technique, this method could potentially be messy. Therefore, when doing this for the first time, it might be a good idea to do your squeezing over the sink.
Tip 2: I put the Lemons in the juicer so the cut-side of the lemon is down where the juicer holes are.
Amco Lemon squeezer/Juicer above of the 2 quart glass container
Amco Lemon squeezer/Juicer
Step 4: add the sugar water
- The sugar water has to be cool-room temperature before you do anything with it.
- This is important for two reasons:
- Hot sugar water will cook your fresh lemon juice. Burnt/cooked lemon juice is not a flavor you are looking for in a refreshing drink.
- Hot sugar water can cause a glass or plastic container to crack.
- If you can’t wait for the sugar water to fully cool down (like me) then, just add in some ice cubes to the saucepan holding your sugar water. When it reaches room temperature or cooler, your ready to go.
Step 5: filler up
- Fill the remainder of the 2 quart container with water.
- Stir, add ice and enjoy.
- Yum!!
Additional options:
Option 1: Lemon soda
To make a delicious organic Meyer lemon soda, just add bubble water/carbonated water instead of regular water (at step 6).
Option 2: Lemon-Limeade
I recently made some tasty Lemon-Limeade. This blend (in my opinion) the best of both worlds. If you would like to try this option, just follow the same steps outlined above but use 3 limes and 6 Meyer lemons instead.
Option 3: Add in the fruit
I have tried adding in cut lemons (the peal and all) into the drink. Some people say they like the added element that the oils in the peal bring out. However, I have found that the drink tastes much better (to me) if the peals are left out of the equation.
FAQs
As for fruit, the Meyer lemon tree should produce citrus every year after it reaches maturity—i.e., around four years old. Growing a citrus tree on your own may sound daunting—most of us aren't farmers—but we promise it's just as easy as caring for your favorite houseplant (and maybe easier in some cases).
What's wrong with my Meyer lemon tree? ›
Yellow leaves, leaf drop, pests: signs your Meyer Lemon Tree may be dying. Overwatering leads to root rot; adjust watering and use citrus-specific fertilizer. Prune and monitor for pests and diseases to revive and maintain tree health.
What kind of fertilizer do you use on a Meyer lemon tree? ›
During the growing season (early spring through fall), feed your Meyer lemon tree with either a high-nitrogen fertilizer or a slow-release all-purpose fertilizer. Typically three applications evenly spaced throughout the growing season should be enough to keep your plant happy, growing, and producing.
What are Meyer lemons best used for? ›
Here are the top 100 things to do with a Meyer lemon.
- Make Meyer lemonade.
- Make roasted Cornish game hens with Meyer lemons, olives and fennel (see recipe).
- Make shrimp piri piri with black rice and chef Marcus Samuelsson's “quick-preserved” Meyer lemons (see recipe). More to Read. The best cookbooks for spring 2024.
The calcium in coffee grounds allows the lemon tree to build strong cell walls, leading to a strong branch structure. The high dose of nitrogen in the coffee ground accelerates the growth of the tree's root system giving the tree healthy foliage.
Will a potted lemon tree bear fruit? ›
If you experience cooler weather during the fall and winter months, growing a potted lemon tree indoors is a great way to sustain the plant all year long. Since these trees are self-pollinating, only one is needed to produce fruit.
What is the lifespan of a Meyer lemon tree? ›
For most citrus trees, the average lifespan of a growing tree is 50 years. This applies to lemon, orange, and even dwarf citrus trees. Fruit production generally begins between ages 2 and 5. Most trees will produce throughout their entire life once they reach maturity.
What does an overwatered Meyer lemon tree look like? ›
The plants literally defoliate. Too much water triggers the plants to defoliate as well, however the leaves do not normally fade in colour and the tips of the stems will go black. The soil should be moist but not water logged.
How can you tell if a lemon tree is stressed? ›
The leaves begin to wilt from the tip back. They don't recover when watered, which they would do if the tree was just drought stressed.
Should you prune a Meyer lemon tree? ›
You can prune your Meyer lemon tree according to your design preferences since its shape doesn't affect its ability to bear fruit. Wait until the tree is at least 3 to 4 feet tall to prune, and try not to begin the process until the winter after the plant's fruits ripen and fall.
Use on all fruit, citrus and palm trees.
How many times a year do lemon trees produce fruit? ›
Meyer lemon trees will fruit either indoors or outdoors once or twice a year, with especially abundant harvests in fall and winter. If your Meyer lemon tree is located outdoors, pollination should take care of itself.
Can you eat the skin of a Meyer lemon? ›
The layer of bitter white pith that makes a thick protective coating for regular lemons is so thin on Meyers that they may be eaten in their entirety, peel included. Cut thin slices, remove the seeds and roast them with root vegetables, chicken or fish.
Can I freeze Meyer lemons? ›
You can freeze lemon wedges or slices, lemon zest, lemon juice, or whole lemons. Always wash fruit with soap and water or a fruit and vegetable wash before starting the prep work for freezing. Use a microplane to create lemon zest from the peel.
Do you need two Meyer lemon trees to produce fruit? ›
You don't need two Meyer Lemons to produce fruit - since they are self-fertile, a single tree will produce lemons. However, having multiple trees can increase pollination and lead to larger harvests.
How do you get a Meyer lemon tree to fruit? ›
Meyer lemons are “self-pollinating,” which means you don't need a second tree to get fruit. The pollen on the tree will cling to the stigmas in other flowers, which creates the little lemons. Outside, wind and insects will do the pollinating for you, but inside it may need assistance.
How often should you water a Meyer lemon tree? ›
Fast Facts on Meyer Lemon Trees
| Common name | Meyer lemon, Meyer lemon tree |
|---|
| Soil type | Requires sandy, well-draining soil; if planted in a pot, it must be one with holes incorporated for good drainage |
| Frequency of watering | Once every one to two weeks, depending on season and local climate |
| Toxicity | Toxic to both dogs and cats |
6 more rowsSep 30, 2022
Meyer Lemon Trees are the easiest citrus plants to grow indoors and they offer sweet scented blooms and fruit up to 4 times per year. Meyer lemon plants require no chill hours to fruit so they can be grown indoors all year-round.
