Making preserved lemons is simple and means you can enjoy the season’s citrus bounty for months to come. Whole lemons are brined in salt with a bit of sugar for sweetness. As the lemons soak and soften in the refrigerator, the brine mellows the sour fruit and transforms it into a salty, tangy, and slightly savory ingredient to punch up marinades, dressings, grilled meats, stews, and braises.
Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen
We recommend using a clean and properly sanitized glass jar for preserving lemons. You can do this by placing the jars right side up in a pot, covering them with water, and boiling the water for 10 minutes. You can also run the jar through a dishwasher.
Make ahead
Preserved lemons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one year.