Frozen Lemons Are the No. 1 Inflammation-Fighting Ingredient Your Morning Smoothies Are Missing

Although having fun with an enormous ol’ pitcher of lemonade is just about the epitome of summertime vibes, the reality is that citrus season is simply getting began. Surprising, I do know: It peaks smack dab in the course of winter.

Certainly, most lemon varieties can be found year-round; nevertheless, when you’re seeking to get your palms on these deliciously candy Meyer lemons at their peak freshness, December by means of Could will probably be your greatest wager. Nevertheless, when you’re well-acquainted with the highest methods for preserving lemon contemporary, you already know that freezing them is by far one of the best ways to squeeze (pun meant) probably the most life out of them—and revel in them properly previous spring. What’s extra, frozen lemons (yep, we’re speaking the entire darn factor: pith, zest, and pulp) are additionally filled with anti-inflammatory advantages and make for the right mix-in to brighten up your on a regular basis smoothie-making routine.

Did we lose you at “complete lemon?” Do not go bitter on us simply but! Forward, we make a case for celebrating each inch of your citrus, and share a number of the greatest frozen lemon smoothie recipes that may add infinite zest to your life.

What are the advantages of consuming entire lemons?

Dietitians verify that lemons are wealthy in dietary perks. For starters, they are a potent supply of important nutritional vitamins and vitamins, containing about 50 p.c of the really useful day by day worth of vitamin C per lemon (or roughly 35 milligrams of the vitamin per fruit). As such, the highly effective antioxidants present in lemons assist enhance immune perform and struggle towards free radical harm. That mentioned, whereas lemon juice has a bevy of advantages, it might behoove us all to pay nearer consideration to the often-forgotten lemon peels. In reality, you’re doing your self an enormous disservice by tossing them out.

In line with dietitians, lemon peels include calcium, vitamin C, potassium, and a few fiber. What’s extra, analysis exhibits that lemon peels can have cardiovascular advantages, together with doubtlessly lowering blood stress ranges. “Some research point out that limonene and the opposite flavonoids in lemon rind are instantly linked to stopping the formation and unfold of cancerous tumors, significantly, most cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and abdomen,” registered dietitian Katherine Brooking, RD says. Lemon peels—albeit potent—are certain sounding an increasing number of attractive now, proper?

The way to make frozen lemons

Though lemons don’t spoil as shortly as, say, berries, freezing them will help extend their shelf life. If pressed for time, freezing ‘em entire will do the trick. Nevertheless, we’ve discovered that slicing them into items earlier than tossing them within the freezer is rather more sensible for on a regular basis use.

To take action, merely slice the fruit as you’d like—we advocate small wedges—and lay them flat with out touching each other on a parchment-lined baking sheet earlier than transferring them to the freezer. As soon as totally frozen, acquire the piece and retailer them in a freezer-safe container earlier than returning them to the freezer. Get this: You too can merely freeze the lemon peels on their very own, as demonstrated on this current TikTok video by @sunkistcitrus.

@sunkistcitrus Citrus doesn’t simply go far in your plates; it might probably final for weeks with the best suggestions and methods. #sunkistcitrus ♬ Sunshine – WIRA

3 anti-inflammatory frozen lemon smoothie recipes 

1. Lemon Blueberry Smoothie

Blueberries, a banana, lemons (juice and zest), almond extract, and dairy-free milk are all it’s essential to make this easy five-ingredient lemon blueberry smoothie recipe by Bold Kitchen. Better part? It’s filled with a couple of supply of potent anti-inflammatory antioxidants (hello, rock star blueberries). Wish to make issues even simpler, particularly when discovering the time to make a smoothie earlier than you run out the door is sort of inconceivable? Throw all of it within the BlendQuik Transportable Blender, for a scrumptious smoothie on the go. (BTW, it’s spill-proof and drinkable instantly from the cup, err, blender.) No mess and no stress.

Get the recipe: Lemon Blueberry Smoothie

2. Creamy Vegan Lemon Smoothie

This creamy vegan lemon smoothie by Consuming by Elaine, calls for 2 massive juicy lemons (juiced and zested or frozen wedges, obvi), together with a couple of different protein-and fiber-rich substances, like Medjool dates and blanched almonds. The drink additionally presents a medley of optionally available smoothie booster choices, together with anti-inflammatory turmeric, and omega-3 fatty acids-rich chia and/or hemp seeds. Plus, in line with the recipe developer, “it is made to wake you up with a smile!”

Get the recipe: Creamy Vegan Lemon Smoothie

3. Hidden-Veggie Lemon Smoothie

Trying to sneak in an additional serving of veggies? This simple lemon smoothie recipe by Consuming Fowl Meals is made with a considerably shocking secret ingredient: cauliflower. Fortunately, as a result of mild-tasting nature of this veggie, it goes fully unnoticed within the closing product and is overpowered by different (tastier-for-a-smoothie) substances, comparable to turmeric, contemporary ginger, and lemon.

Get the recipe: Lemon Smoothie

Uncover the way to make a zero-waste lemon popsicle recipe: