After a big meal, you might want a glass of sweet and sour lemonade. It helps with digestion. Many people buy it from stores. But that costs more money. You can make it at home. It is easy. You only need simple things. This article will show you how. It will also talk about nutrition, benefits, and how to store it.
You need a fruit knife. It is for cutting lemons. A sharp knife is good. It peels the skin easily. A dull knife can crush the lemon.
You need a juicer. It gets the juice out. A hand juicer is good for small amounts. An electric one is faster for large amounts. If you have no juicer, use your hands. But a juicer gets more juice.
You need a strainer. It removes pulp and seeds. This makes the drink smooth. A fine strainer works best.
You need a shaker. It mixes everything well. Put all ingredients inside and shake. If you have no shaker, use a bowl and spoon. But a shaker is better.
You need a cup. A clean glass cup is good. It looks nice. It does not change the taste. You can also use a jar.
One lemon gives different amounts of juice. It depends on size and freshness. A medium lemon gives about 2 to 3 spoons of juice. This is enough for one small glass.
A big lemon gives more juice. A small lemon gives less. Ripe, soft lemons have more juice. Hard lemons have less.
To get more juice, roll the lemon on a table first. Press it with your palm. This breaks the inside parts. You can also soak it in warm water for five minutes before juicing.
Lemonade has good nutrients. They come from the lemon. It has a lot of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant. One glass gives about 15 to 20mg of vitamin C. This is about one-fifth of what an adult needs each day.
1. It helps your immune system. The vitamin C helps your body make white blood cells. These cells fight sickness.
2. It helps digestion. The citric acid helps your stomach work. Drink a glass after a meal. It can reduce bloating.
3. It keeps you hydrated. Lemonade is mostly water. The taste makes you drink more. This is good for your whole body and skin.
4. It is good for skin. Vitamin C helps make collagen. This keeps skin firm. It also fights damage from the environment. It may help with dark spots.
Homemade lemonade does not last long. It has no preservatives. In the refrigerator, it lasts 2 to 3 days. After that, it gets more sour. The vitamin C also gets less. If you see mold or smell something odd, throw it away.
For homemade lemonade, use a clean, sealed container. A glass bottle or jar is good. Close it tightly. Air will make it spoil. Put it in the cold part of your refrigerator.
Do not leave homemade lemonade out for over two hours. Heat makes bacteria grow fast. Do not add ice to the storage container. The melted ice makes the taste weak. Add fresh ice when you serve it.
For unopened store-bought lemonade, keep it away from sun and heat. Do not freeze it. The can might burst. After opening, put leftover drink in a clean sealed container. Keep it in the refrigerator. Do not store it in the opened can.
Making lemonade at home is simple. It saves money and is healthy. With the right items and steps, you can make a refreshing drink quickly. It tastes great and is good for you. Remember to store it the right way. Try making your own instead of buying it. You will enjoy the fresh taste.