Tools Needed:
- A sharp knife
- A microwave (optional)
- A fork
- A strainer or cheesecloth
- A bowl or cup
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lemon:
- Wash the lemon thoroughly to remove any dirt or residues.
- Pat it dry with a clean cloth.
2. Microwaving (Optional):
- This step is optional but can help release more juice.
- Place the whole lemon in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave it for about 15-20 seconds, just enough to slightly warm it.
3. Rolling:
- Place the lemon on a cutting board.
- Using the palm of your hand or a rolling pin, firmly roll the lemon back and forth, applying pressure to soften it.
4. Cutting:
- Use a sharp knife to cut the lemon in half, both horizontally and vertically, so you have two lemon wedges.
5. Fork-Pressing:
- Hold a lemon wedge cut-side down over a strainer or cheesecloth placed on top of a bowl or cup.
- Use a fork to press the lemon wedge firmly, extracting the juice.
6. Flip and Repeat:
- Continue flipping and pressing the lemon wedges until all the juice has been squeezed out.
7. Straining:
- This step is optional but recommended to ensure smooth juice.
- Let the juice sit for a few minutes in the strainer to allow any pulp to separate from the juice.
- Gently squeeze the cheesecloth or strainer to extract any remaining juice.
8. Discard Pulp:
- Discard the squeezed lemon wedges and pulp.
9. Enjoy Your Juice!:
- You now have fresh lemon juice you can use for cooking, baking, or adding to beverages.
Remember that the amount of juice you extract may depend on the size and juiciness of the lemons.