Preserved Lemons (Citrons Confits)

May 16, 2023May 16, 20230 14

How to make Preserved Lemons (Citrons Confits)

by The Chefin Preserves

Prep

10 min

Cook

N/A

Ready In

4-6 weeks

Level

Very easy

Rating

Ingredients

	10 -12 lemons
	1/2 cup coarse salt
	olive oil , to fill

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

N/A

Calories

N/A

Sugar

N/A

Fat

N/A

Preserved lemons, also known as citrons confits, are a staple ingredient in Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisine. They add a bright and tangy flavor to dishes, and their salty and slightly sweet taste can help balance out rich and spicy flavors. The preservation process involves packing whole lemons in salt and covering them in olive oil, which helps to soften and flavor the fruit over time. Preserved lemons can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stews, salads, and marinades, and are a handy ingredient to have on hand in the kitchen.

Instructions

1.	Cut the top and bottom off each lemon so that they can stand upright. Cut the lemons in quarters from the top down, stopping just before the bottom so that the quarters remain attached at the base.
2.	Sprinkle the inside and outside of each lemon with salt, then pack them tightly into a sterilized jar.
3.	Pour in enough olive oil to cover the lemons completely, and seal the jar.
4.	Let the lemons sit at room temperature for 4-6 weeks, shaking the jar once a day to redistribute the salt and oil.
5.	Once the lemons are ready, rinse off the salt and use as desired, with or without the rind.

PROS

Preserved lemons can add a unique and tangy flavor to a variety of dishes, including Moroccan tagines and salads.

They store well for long periods of time, making them a handy ingredient to have on hand for impromptu cooking.

CONS

The high sodium content of the salt used in the preservation process may not be suitable for those with high blood pressure or other health conditions that require a low-salt diet.

They can also go rancid if not stored properly or used within a reasonable time frame.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, which is important for immune system function and skin health.
They also contain antioxidants that may help protect against chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
However, the nutritional content of preserved lemons may be altered compared to fresh lemons due to the salt and oil used in the preservation process.