How to extract more juice from lemon: quick and easy tips

Before cutting the lemon, warm it slightly or roll it with the palm of your hand on a hard surface. This breaks down the inner fibers of the fruit, making it easier to release the liquid. Here's how to do it:

• Rolling the lemon: Press the lemon against a countertop and roll it back and forth for about 15 to 20 seconds.
• Heating the lemon: Place the lemon in the microwave for about 10 to 20 seconds (depending on the power of your appliance). The heat helps to break down the fruit's cell walls, releasing more juice.

These methods can significantly increase the amount of juice extracted, especially when the lemon is harder or colder.

In addition to heating and rolling, cutting the lemon lengthways (instead of the traditional cross-cut) can also help extract more juice, as it exposes more fibers from which the liquid is released.

The structure of the lemon is made up of juice-filled vesicles surrounded by resistant membranes. Heat and physical pressure soften these membranes, facilitating extraction. According to experts from the Serious Eats website - a reference in culinary techniques - these simple practices can result in up to 30% more juice compared to just cutting and squeezing the fruit directly.

Source: Serious Eats, article "How to Get the Most Juice from Your Citrus"