Have you seen Meyer Lemons in your grocery store and wondered what you can do with them?  Try preserving the lemons so that you can use them year round.  The thin skin of a meyer lemon makes them perfect for preserving.

If you are a fan of lemons then this is a quick and easy recipe that you must try!  Preserved lemons couldn’t be easier to make and they will elevate any dish that you cook with lemons to the next level.  If you are wondering what preserved lemons are the simple answer is they are lemons that have been pickled in salt and their own juices.  Think of using them in salad dressings, chicken and fish!

So let’s get started!  You simply need a jar, lemons (meyer lemons if you have them), kosher salt and water.

First clean your jar and lemons.

Next you’ll need to decide whether you want to preserve your lemons quartered or sliced.  I did a jar of each.  The quartered lemons are more traditional and the sliced lemons will take a little more time upfront but they sure are pretty in the jar.

Slice the ends off the lemons but save them for their juices.  If you want them quartered then quarter the lemons but don’t slice entirely through the lemon so they will stay whole in the jar.

Add a tablespoon of salt into the bottom of your jar.

Now you layer lemons and salt into the jar.  For the quartered lemons add a tablespoon of salt inside of each lemon and stuff the lemon into the jar.  Top with salt and continue until your jar is full.

Save one lemon to squeeze into the jar and cover with bottled water.

Leave the lemons in a cool place and shake every day for 3-5 days.  Now you can leave the lemons alone until they are soft and ready to be used in cooking!

I leave the lemons on my counter until the skin of the lemon is soft (that’s how you know they are ready) and then I move them to my refrigerator to store.

In less than a week your lemons will look like this and will be ready for use.

Make a few jars and you’ll have the perfect hostess gift ready at a moments notice!

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