Frozen Lemons Are the No. 1 Irritation-Combating Ingredient Your Morning Smoothies Are Lacking

Although having fun with a giant ol’ pitcher of lemonade is just about the epitome of summertime vibes, the reality is that citrus season is simply getting began. Stunning, I do know: It peaks smack dab in the midst of winter.

Certainly, most lemon varieties can be found year-round; nonetheless, if you happen to’re seeking to get your palms on these deliciously candy Meyer lemons at their peak freshness, December by way of Could will seemingly be your greatest guess. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re well-acquainted with the highest tips for preserving lemon contemporary, you already know that freezing them is by far one of the best ways to squeeze (pun meant) probably the most life out of them—and luxuriate in them properly previous spring. What’s extra, frozen lemons (yep, we’re speaking the entire darn factor: pith, zest, and pulp) are additionally full of anti-inflammatory advantages and make for the right mix-in to brighten up your on a regular basis smoothie-making routine.

Did we lose you at “total lemon?” Do not go bitter on us simply but! Forward, we make a case for celebrating each inch of your citrus, and share a number of the greatest frozen lemon smoothie recipes that may add limitless zest to your life.

What are the advantages of consuming entire lemons?

Dietitians verify that lemons are wealthy in dietary perks. For starters, they are a potent supply of important nutritional vitamins and vitamins, containing about 50 p.c of the really useful each day worth of vitamin C per lemon (or roughly 35 milligrams of the vitamin per fruit). As such, the highly effective antioxidants present in lemons assist increase immune operate and struggle towards free radical injury. That stated, whereas lemon juice has a bevy of advantages, it could behoove us all to pay nearer consideration to the often-forgotten lemon peels. In reality, you’re doing your self an enormous disservice by tossing them out.

In line with dietitians, lemon peels comprise calcium, vitamin C, potassium, and a few fiber. What’s extra, analysis exhibits that lemon peels can have cardiovascular advantages, together with doubtlessly lowering blood stress ranges. “Some research point out that limonene and the opposite flavonoids in lemon rind are straight linked to stopping the formation and unfold of cancerous tumors, significantly, most cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and abdomen,” registered dietitian Katherine Brooking, RD says. Lemon peels—albeit potent—are certain sounding increasingly attractive now, proper?

The best way to make frozen lemons

Though lemons don’t spoil as shortly as, say, berries, freezing them might help extend their shelf life. If pressed for time, freezing ‘em entire will do the trick. Nevertheless, we’ve discovered that slicing them into items earlier than tossing them within the freezer is far more sensible for on a regular basis use.

To take action, merely slice the fruit as you’d like—we suggest small wedges—and lay them flat with out touching each other on a parchment-lined baking sheet earlier than transferring them to the freezer. As soon as absolutely frozen, acquire the piece and retailer them in a freezer-safe container earlier than returning them to the freezer. Get this: You may also merely freeze the lemon peels on their very own, as demonstrated on this current TikTok video by @sunkistcitrus.

@sunkistcitrus Citrus doesn’t simply go far in your plates; it could final for weeks with the correct ideas and tips. #sunkistcitrus ♬ Sunshine – WIRA

3 anti-inflammatory frozen lemon smoothie recipes 

1. Lemon Blueberry Smoothie

Blueberries, a banana, lemons (juice and zest), almond extract, and dairy-free milk are all you want to make this straightforward five-ingredient lemon blueberry smoothie recipe by Formidable Kitchen. Better part? It’s full of a couple of supply of potent anti-inflammatory antioxidants (hello, rock star blueberries). Need to make issues even simpler, particularly when discovering the time to make a smoothie earlier than you run out the door is almost unimaginable? Throw all of it within the BlendQuik Transportable Blender, for a scrumptious smoothie on the go. (BTW, it’s spill-proof and drinkable straight from the cup, err, blender.) No mess and no stress.

Get the recipe: Lemon Blueberry Smoothie

2. Creamy Vegan Lemon Smoothie

This creamy vegan lemon smoothie by Consuming by Elaine, calls for 2 massive juicy lemons (juiced and zested or frozen wedges, obvi), together with a couple of different protein-and fiber-rich substances, like Medjool dates and blanched almonds. The drink additionally affords a medley of non-obligatory smoothie booster choices, together with anti-inflammatory turmeric, and omega-3 fatty acids-rich chia and/or hemp seeds. Plus, based on the recipe developer, “it is made to wake you up with a smile!”

Get the recipe: Creamy Vegan Lemon Smoothie

3. Hidden-Veggie Lemon Smoothie

Trying to sneak in an additional serving of veggies? This straightforward lemon smoothie recipe by Consuming Chicken Meals is made with a considerably stunning secret ingredient: cauliflower. Fortunately, because of the mild-tasting nature of this veggie, it goes utterly unnoticed within the remaining product and is overpowered by different (tastier-for-a-smoothie) substances, reminiscent of turmeric, contemporary ginger, and lemon.

Get the recipe: Lemon Smoothie

Uncover the way to make a zero-waste lemon popsicle recipe: