The price of heaven (how to get the good stuff from a lemon)

Instructions on how to get the best of a lemon.

This is painful. It's worth it. But you need to really, really, want this. If you have any little cuts, you might want to cover them now. Try a band-aid, or Vaseline. Let me know if that works.

You will need a sharp knife, two bowls, and lemons.


First, use a zester to remove the zest from the lemon. Be careful not to get much, if any, pith. Set aside the zest.



Slice off the ends of the lemon.


Cut the remaining peel and pith (white stuff, it's bitter) from the lemon.


Until you are left with this:
Now do it again, until you have as many lemons as you think need. (This is enough for 2 lemon pies)


Now, use your knife to cut each section from the membrane.
Go all the way around, each section. Then use your fingers to remove the sections from the membranes. Scrape off any little bits that stick to the membrane. Throw out the membrane.

Do one lemon at a time. Scoop out the seeds.

When you're done you'll have a pile of good stuff from the lemon. Add in the zest.


and a pile of not so good stuff. Use it to make popuri.


Now, wash your hands. How many more little cuts on your hands did the lemon help you discover? Sorry about that. It's worth it. Really. Go make some lemon pie. Then maybe you'll forgive me.

Drop me a note and let me know how this worked for you.