Back to preserving – options for local are diminishing so we’ll do the odd batch of something special – there will be 3 or 4 things made in the next month or so which will be part of our late December and early January celebrations with family and friends. Todays batch is lemon confit – some of which may end up within our Turkey stuffing or a salad.
I’ve never tried to make – or eat – lemon confit before. But I am super excited and found the process a lot of fun. It’s also the super easiest batch of preserves I’ve ever made. The entire process is very fast – although a little on the pricey side (2 jars of salt for 1.5 lemons). A different sized jar (a bigger opening to fit half-slices as recommended by my recipe) may have reduced the need for salt by some degree.
1 clean jar (we used a 1.5 liter mason jar though any non-reactive jar would do, especially since this size is only available in Canada for the most part).
Lemons (clean)
Coarse salt
Cut lemons lengthwise (we had to quarter them to fit inside of the jar). Place a piece in jar. Cover each piece in salt (you don’t want the lemons touching each other or the side of jar).
Place in a cool dark place 2-3 months (that is correct, no sealing needed).
When it comes time to use them, pull them from the salt and rinse (they will be a darker color than when they went in). Remove the pulp and pith and do what you will with the rind – mince, slice or shred. Blanch in simmering water if using it uncooked.
I adore surprises and can’t wait to see what these look like coming out of the spa in a few months! It’s fascinating to think about the chemical changes they are going through now as they are being dried by the salt and hands of time.
If you make some this weekend, it will be ready for late December and January – not local for us but a delectable treat.