Preserved Fresh Lemons Recipe

Elevate your North African and Mediterranean cooking with homemade preserved lemons! This simple recipe yields a jar of vibrant, flavorful lemons perfect for tagines, stews, roasted meats, and more. Imagine the bright, salty tang of preserved lemon enriching your chicken tagine, lamb roast, or hearty daube. These lemons are incredibly easy to make and add a pop of color and incredible depth of flavor to your pantry. A little goes a long way! Make sure to use unwaxed and untreated lemons for the best results.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 43230 mins
Calories 223.1 kcal
Protein 13g
Rating 3.3 (6 Reviews)
Preserved Fresh Lemons 16

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Preserved Fresh Lemons

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Preserved Fresh Lemons? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Preserved Fresh Lemons

  1. Wash and thoroughly scrub 1kg (approximately 6-8) unwaxed lemons.
  2. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each lemon from top to bottom, but not completely through; leave about ½ inch at the bottom intact.
  3. Generously salt the lemons, using approximately 50g coarse sea salt, packing the salt into every slit and ensuring each surface is coated.
  4. Place the salted lemons in a large, clean glass jar. Pack them tightly, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.
  5. Add 1 cup of coarse sea salt to the jar to cover the top of the lemons.
  6. Pour over 400ml extra virgin olive oil so that the lemons are fully submerged.
  7. Seal the jar tightly with an airtight lid.
  8. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 4 weeks, preferably up to 6. The longer they cure, the more intense the flavor will become.
  9. After 4 weeks, check to see if the lemons are soft and the oil is clear. If not, continue to store until ready. Once cured, refrigerate to extend shelf life.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

2019 g

Sugar

64g

Fat

3g

Carbs

21g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)