How to Make Lime Juice

Ingredients:

- Fresh limes

- A citrus juicer or a manual citrus press

- A strainer

- A glass or jar for storing the juice

- Optional: Sugar or honey (for sweetened lime juice)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Limes:

- Wash the limes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.

- Pat the limes dry with a clean kitchen towel.

- Cut the limes in half lengthwise.

2. Use a Citrus Juicer:

- If you have a citrus juicer, place one lime half at a time onto the juicer and press down firmly to extract the juice.

- Collect the lime juice in a clean glass or bowl.

- Repeat this process with the remaining lime halves until you have extracted all the juice.

3. Using a Manual Citrus Press:

- If you don't have a citrus juicer, you can use a manual citrus press. Place one lime half at a time onto the press, cut-side down, and squeeze down on the handles.

- Collect the lime juice in a clean glass or bowl.

- Repeat the process with the remaining lime halves.

4. Strain the Juice:

- Pour the lime juice through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any pulp or seeds.

- This step is optional, depending on your preference for the consistency of the juice.

5. Add Sweetener (Optional):

- If you prefer sweetened lime juice, add sugar or honey to taste. Stir well until the sweetener dissolves.

6. Store the Lime Juice:

- Transfer the lime juice to a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle.

- Label the jar with the date and store it in the refrigerator.

7. Refrigerate and Use:

- Fresh lime juice can be refrigerated for up to 2-3 days.

- Use the lime juice in various beverages, such as limeade, cocktails, mocktails, and cooking recipes.

Tips:

- To maximize the amount of juice you extract, roll the limes on a countertop before cutting them in half. This helps to loosen the juice inside.

- If you don't have a citrus juicer or press, you can also squeeze the lime halves by hand. However, this may require more effort and result in less juice.

- For best flavor, use fresh limes that are ripe and slightly soft to the touch.

- Lime juice is a versatile ingredient that can add a refreshing tartness to many dishes and beverages. Enjoy!