Lemons are often coated with a waxy substance to keep the skin fresh and shiny. The wax used is safe for consumption, but if you want to grate the lemon peel for use in cooking, you may need to remove the wax coating before doing so.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Boiling Water
Step 1. Bring the water to a boil
Fill the kettle with water to half full and bring the water to a boil on the stove.
- You can also use a small saucepan. Fill a pot with water halfway full and bring it to a boil on the stove over high heat.
- If needed, you can replace the boiling water with hot tap water. Make sure that the tap water is as hot as possible before you pour it on the lemons.
Step 2. Place the lemon in a colander
While waiting for the water to boil, place and arrange the lemons in a colander, making sure that none of the lemons hit the other lemons. Place the filter in the kitchen sink.
The best way to do this is to wash only a few lemons at a time, so they can slide freely across the bottom of the sieve. If you pile up the lemons to be washed, you won't be able to reach all of the lemon peels, making it harder for hot water to reach the waxy coating on those areas
Step 3. Pour the boiling water over the lemons
When the water in the kettle is boiling, pour the water over the lemons you put in the strainer.
The hot water will partially melt the wax layer, loosening it from the lemon zest, making it easier to peel the layer off
Step 4. Scrub the lemons using a vegetable brush
Use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the outside of the lemon peel. Hold the lemon under a stream of cold water as you rub it.
- Rub one by one lemon.
- It is very important to use cold water. The boiling water heats up the lemon zest, and the cold water adjusts the temperature again.
- Avoid using special brushes or scrubbing sponges for kitchen furniture. Soap residue on the brush can stick to the fruit and contaminate the skin of the fruit.
Step 5. Rinse thoroughly
Remove any excess wax by rinsing each lemon one last time.
Gently rub the lemon peel with your fingers at this stage
Step 6. Dry thoroughly
Wipe the lemon peel with a clean kitchen paper/tissue to dry it.
- In addition to using kitchen paper, you can also let the lemon dry by itself on your kitchen counter.
- Make sure that you only store lemons whose wax has been removed after the lemons are completely dry.
Method 2 of 3: Using the Microwave
Step 1. Place the lemons on a microwave-safe plate
Arrange the lemons on a microwave-safe plate or serving container. Arrange the lemons evenly and do not stack each other.
- For best results, make sure that you only process a few lemons at a time.
- Don't pile the lemons on the plate. Stacking the lemons will cause an uneven distribution of heat, making it difficult for the wax to peel off completely.
Step 2. Microwave the lemons for 10 to 20 seconds
Put the plate in the microwave. Microwave on high for 10 to 20 seconds, depending on the number of lemons you're processing.
- If you're only processing a lemon or two, then run the microwave for 10 seconds. If you are processing three to six lemons, increase the microwave processing time to 20 seconds.
- The heat generated will help melt the wax layer. The wax that has softened will be easier to remove from the lemon peel.
Step 3. Rub the lemon under a stream of water
Gently scrub the rind of each lemon with a vegetable brush while running cold water over the lemons.
- It would be better if you rub the lemons one by one.
- The ideal water to use is cold to cold water because it can cool the temperature of the lemon peel that has been heated in the microwave.
- Do not use a vegetable brush that has been previously used with soapy water.
Step 4. Rinse the lemons
Stop rubbing the lemons and rinse each lemon one last time under running water.
You can use your fingers to gently rub the lemon peel at this point, but don't use a vegetable brush
Step 5. Dry the lemons with kitchen paper/tissue
After washing the lemons, wipe them dry with clean kitchen paper.
Lemons can also be left to dry on the counter, but don't store them while they're still wet
Method 3 of 3: Using a Fruit and Vegetable Cleanser
Step 1. Mix vinegar and water
Pour distilled water and vinegar into a spray bottle at a ratio of 3:1 (water:vinegar). Close the bottle, then shake to dissolve the water and vinegar.
- In addition to homemade cleaners, you can also use commercial fruit and vegetable cleaners.
- You can also make a fruit and vegetable cleanser by mixing 1 teaspoon (15 ml) of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon (15 ml) of baking soda, and 1 cup (250 ml) of warm water. Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle.
Step 2. Spray the liquid mixture on the lemon
Spray the lemon peel until it is thoroughly wet with the cleaning vinegar solution.
Leave the cleaning liquid on the lemon for two to five minutes before moving on to the next step. The acidity of the cleaning fluid takes a few minutes to weaken and wear off the wax coating
Step 3. Rub the lemon under a stream of water
Scrub the lemon peel with a vegetable brush while running it under cold water, using gentle, but firm, pressure.
- The temperature of the water doesn't really matter this way because the lemons are not exposed to heat beforehand, but it's best to use warm to cool water to maintain the lemon's internal temperature.
- Avoid using brushes or sponges that were previously used with soapy water.
- Each lemon only needs to be rubbed briefly.
Step 4. Rinse the lemons under running water
After you've scrubbed the lemons, rinse the lemons one by one under running water to remove any excess wax.
If you see any wax residue, you can use your fingers to gently rub it in while rinsing the lemon. However, do not use a brush for this stage
Step 5. Dry the lemons
Quickly dry the lemons by wiping the excess water on the lemons with clean kitchen paper/tissue.
- If you want, in addition to drying it with kitchen paper, you can let the lemon dry on its own.
- Do not store lemons that are still wet after cleaning.
Warning
- For best results, use lemon as soon as possible after you've removed the wax coating. Without a protective wax coating, lemons will rot more quickly.
- Do not store lemons that are still wet after cleaning. Make sure that the lemon peel is completely dry to prevent possible premature spoilage.
The Things You Need
Using Boiling Water
- Kettle
- Stove
- Filter
- Vegetable brush
- Sink
- kitchen paper
Using the Microwave
- Microwave safe dishes
- Microwave
- Vegetable brush
- Sink
- kitchen paper
Using Fruit and Vegetable Cleaners
- Spray bottle
- Water
- Vinegar
- Vegetable brush
- Sink
- kitchen paper
