Lemon Pickle Recipe

Lemon pickle is a tangy and spicy Indian condiment made from lemon wedges, salt, and spices like turmeric and chili powder. Lemon achar is mostly served as a side dish to enhance the food experience. It’s prepared with mustard oil and sometimes sugar, adding flavor to meals. Making lemon pickles is very easy at home. We will provide you with 2 types of lemon pickle recipes for your convenience.

Ingredients for Lemon Pickle

• 8-10 medium lemons
• 1/4 cup salt
• 2 tablespoons turmeric powder
• 2 tablespoons red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
• 1/4 cup sugar (optional)
• 1 cup mustard oil or any vegetable oil

How to Make Lemon Pickle

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making lemon pickles at home:

• Wash and dry lemons thoroughly.
• Cut each lemon into small pieces.
• Mix the spices in a bowl (salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and optionally, sugar). Mix all these ingredients well.
• Toss lemon pieces in the spice mixture until evenly coated.
• Sterilize a clean, dry glass jar. Ensure it’s completely dry before use.
• Layer the coated lemon wedges in the jar, pressing them down as you go.
• Heat the mustard oil until it reaches a smoking point, then let it cool slightly.
• Pour the oil over the lemons in the jar until they are completely submerged.
• Dry roast mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds, then crush them slightly. Add to the jar.
• Close the jar tightly and keep it in a sunny spot for 7-10 days, shaking it gently once a day to ensure even pickling.
• After 7-10 days, check the pickle. It should be ready to eat. Adjust seasoning if needed and store in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.

Sweet Lemon Pickle Recipe

To make a sweet lemon pickle recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 kg lemons, cut into small wedges
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup mustard oil or vegetable oil
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt, to taste

The process to make:

• Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and fennel seeds. Let them sizzle.
• Add turmeric powder and sauté for a minute.
• Add the lemon wedges and sauté until they start to soften (about 5 minutes).
• In a separate pan, combine sugar, water, vinegar, and lemon juice. Heat until the sugar dissolves.
• Add the sugar mixture to the lemon mixture and stir well.
• Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lemons are tender and the liquid thickens.
• Remove from heat and let it cool.
• Transfer to an airtight container.

Tips:

• Use fresh and firm lemons.
• Adjust the amount of sugar and lemon juice to your taste.

Benefits of Lemon Pickle

Homemade lemon pickles are good for our health in various ways. It offers several health benefits due to its ingredients and fermentation process. Here are six benefits:

Lemon pickles are rich in Vitamin C

As you know, lemons contain high vitamin C, which boosts the immune system naturally and helps in fighting infections. Vitamin C enhances the function of immune cells and fights off infections and illnesses.

Makes your digestion better

Yes, lemons are really helpful in good digestion. It stimulates the production of digestive juices, including bile, which helps break down food. The high acidity content in lemons encourages the stomach to produce more hydrochloric acid, enhancing protein digestion.

Increases the appetite level

Lemons can increase appetite by stimulating the taste buds and enhancing the secretion of digestive juices. The sour taste of lemons activates salivary glands, leading to increased saliva production, which can make food more appealing. Additionally, the aroma of lemons can trigger hunger signals in the brain, making them a natural appetite stimulant, especially when combined with other spices.

Improves nutrient absorption

Lemons improve nutrient absorption primarily through their high vitamin C content. Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron (from plant sources) by converting it into a more easily absorbable form. Additionally, the acidic environment created by lemon juice aids in breaking down food, making nutrients more accessible for absorption in the intestines, thus boosting overall nutrient uptake.

Lemon achar promotes hydration.

Lemon achar promotes hydration through its high salt content. Salt maintains electrolyte balance in the body and retains water. The natural electrolytes in the pickle and the hydrating properties of lemon prevent dehydration. This balance is particularly beneficial in hot climates, aiding in efficient fluid retention and preventing the negative effects of water loss.

Lemon Pickle Price

Here is a list of the lemon pickle brands along with the prices. We wish you a happy buying of lemon pickles at Orgo All-Natural!

Lemon Pickle in Hindi

Lemon pickle is called “नींबू का अचार” (nimbu ka achar) in Hindi.

Lemon Pickle in Tamil

Lemon pickle is called “எலுமிச்சை ஊறுகாய்” (elumichai oorugai) in Tamil.