Often the lemons are covered with a layer of wax to keep them shiny and fresh. The wax is considered safe to eat but, if you need lemon zest in a recipe, you may want to skip this treat.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: With Boiling Water
Step 1. Boil the water
Fill a kettle halfway and bring it to a boil on the stove.
- You can also use a saucepan instead of the kettle. Fill it to half its capacity and put it on high heat.
- If necessary, you can use hot tap water. Just make sure it's as hot as possible before pouring it over the lemons.
Step 2. Put the lemons in a colander
While the water heats up, arrange the lemons in a colander. Make it a single layer. Transfer the colander to the kitchen sink.
It is best to treat a few lemons at a time so they can move freely on the bottom of the colander. If you stack them on top of each other, there will be less exposed skin and the water will have a harder time covering it all
Step 3. Pour the boiling water over the lemons
When the water boils, toss it over the lemons in the colander.
The heat of the water will partially melt the wax, loosening it so that it comes off more easily
Step 4. Scrub the citrus fruits with a vegetable brush
Work gently to remove the wax from all lemons. Hold them under cold running water as you brush them.
- Rub one lemon at a time.
- It is very important to use cold water. The hot one has seared the citrus peel so it is important to lower the temperature.
- Do not use the brush or sponge you use for the dishes. The soap residues inside them would contaminate the peel.
Step 5. Rinse thoroughly
Finally, rinse each lemon to remove all traces of wax.
Gently rub the peel with your fingers
Step 6. Dry each citrus fruit carefully
Use kitchen paper.
- You can also let the lemons air dry on the kitchen counter instead of using paper.
- Keep them wax-free only after drying them carefully.
Method 2 of 3: With the Microwave
Step 1. Place the lemons in a microwave safe dish
Arrange them in a single uniform layer.
- Work with a few citrus fruits at a time for good results.
- Do not overlap the lemons, otherwise they will heat up unevenly and it will be difficult to completely detach the wax.
Step 2. Heat the lemons for 10-20 seconds
Put the dish in the microwave and run the oven on full power for 10-20 seconds, depending on the number of lemons you are treating.
- If you need to remove the wax from just one or two lemons, a 10 second "cooking" is sufficient. If you need to clean 3-6 lemons instead, set the timer to 20 seconds.
- The heat melts the wax so it will be easier to remove.
Step 3. Scrub the citrus fruits under cold running water
Help yourself with a vegetable brush and remove the wax from each lemon peel.
- It is best to rub one lemon at a time.
- Cold water is ideal because it lowers the internal temperature of the lemon after it has been heated in the microwave.
- Do not use a brush that you have previously used with soapy water.
Step 4. Rinse the lemons
When you're done scrubbing them, wash them under cold running water.
You can use your fingers at this stage but not the brush
Step 5. Dry them with kitchen paper
Blot them to get rid of the water.
You can also leave them on the kitchen counter to air dry, do not store them in the pantry if they are still wet
Method 3 of 3: With a Natural Cleanser
Step 1. Combine the water with the vinegar
Pour three parts of water with one part of distilled white vinegar into a spray bottle. Close the bottle and shake well to mix.
- You can also use a similar commercial product for washing fruit and vegetables.
- Alternatively, mix 15ml of fresh lemon juice with 250ml of water. Pour everything into the spray bottle.
Step 2. Spray the solution on the lemons
Wet the entire surface of the peel with the vinegar cleaner.
Wait for it to work for 2-3 minutes before continuing. The acidity of the mixture needs a few minutes to soften and dissolve the wax
Step 3. Rub each lemon under running water
Use a vegetable brush and work gently but firmly under cold water.
- The water temperature is not relevant for this method, as no heat has been used before. However, lukewarm or cold water is recommended so as not to alter the internal temperature of citrus fruits.
- Do not use the brushes or sponges you use with soapy water.
- Each fruit must be rubbed for a short time.
Step 4. Rinse the lemons in cold water
When you have finished removing the wax, wash them under cold running water to remove any residue.
If you notice any traces of wax, use your fingers to remove them while rinsing the citrus fruits, do not use the brush
Step 5. Dry them thoroughly
You can do this by wiping them with kitchen paper.
- If you prefer, let them air dry on the kitchen counter.
- Do not store them in the pantry if they are still damp.
Warnings
- If you want to get great results, use lemons as soon as you remove the wax. Without the protective layer, lemons rot quickly.
- Do not put lemons in the fridge when they are still wet. Make sure the peel is dry to avoid rotting problems.
