10 Uses for Meyer Lemons

Meyer Lemons In Bowl On Wooden Table

Kerin Forstmanis/Getty Images

Meyer lemons are a bit sweeter than regular lemons, with a discernible orange flavor. They can be used in place of regular lemons in many recipes, but keep in mind that they contain more sugar and less acid, and thus have a softer flavor than their famously sour siblings. Find 10 great ways to use Meyer lemons below.

  • 01 of 10

    Candied Peel

    A variety of candied fruits

     Getty Images

    Meyer lemon peel makes particularly sweet and tender Candied Lemon Peel. Meyer lemon peels are often thinner than other lemons, so they may require extra care when zesting.

  • 02 of 10

    Chutney

    Rhubarb Chutney
    Diana Rattray

    Sweet and spicy Meyer lemon chutney preserves the bright flavor of winter Meyer lemons all year long. Perfect with chicken, pork, or salmon.

  • 03 of 10

    Cocktails

    Lemon Drop Martini
    Alexandra Grablewski / Photolibrary / Getty Images

    To use Meyer lemon juice in place of regular lemon juice in your favorite cocktail (sidecar, lemon drop), be sure to reduce the amount of sugar or sweet liqueur to balance out the cocktail and highlight the unique flavor of Meyer lemons.

  • 04 of 10

    Fruit Salads

    Crepes with Citrus Fruit Salad

    Alanna Taylor-Tobin/Getty Images

    Meyer lemons are so mild and sweet that you can use them simply peeled and sliced in fruit salads, as in this Sliced Winter Citrus Salad.

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  • 05 of 10

    Lemonade

    Easy Rosemary Lemonade with Tequila Cocktail Recipe
    Add some soft flavor to your organic lemonade with this Rosemary Lemonade recipe and learn how to make rosemary ice. Lisa Romerein / The Image Bank / Getty Images

    Meyer lemons make wonderfully floral and tempting homemade lemonade. Remember, since Meyers are sweeter than other lemons, so start with about half the sugar, only adding more to taste if you like.

  • 06 of 10

    Marmalade

    Jar of Homemade Marmalade
    J Shepherd/Getty Images

    This creamy Meyer lemon marmalade is much easier than most marmalades. Meyer lemon pith isn't anywhere near as bitter as another citrus, so you can simply include it in the mix!

  • 07 of 10

    Preserved Meyer Lemons

    Jar of Preserved Lemons
    Salted Lemons. imagenavi/Getty Images

    Meyer lemons can be preserved in salt lemon juice and used in a wide range of savory dishes including salads, roast chicken, and stews.

  • 08 of 10

    Salads

    zucchini-lemon-salad--1-of-1.jpg
    Spiralized Zucchini Lemon Salad. Brenda Bennett

    Peel and remove the pith of a few Meyer lemons. Chop the lemon flesh and mix with plenty of chopped parsley, toss with some fruity extra-virgin olive oil and salt. Adding Meyer lemons to salads like the Meyer Lemon and Fennel Salad, Arugula Salad with Broiled Lemons, or Meyer Lemon and Parsley Salad, are great ways to switch things up.

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  • 09 of 10

    Sorbets or Granitas

    Lemon Sorbet
    Laura Johansen - Getty Images

    Refreshing and easy, Meyer lemon sorbet can be ready in a snap if you have an ice cream maker, and a few hours in any freezer.

    • Bring a cup of sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil
    • Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
    • Set aside and let cool. Meanwhile, juice enough Meyer lemons for 4 cups of juice.
    • Add enough sugar syrup to sweeten to taste (make it a little bit sweeter than you like it since freezing dulls the sweetness.
    • Freeze according to manufacturer's instructions in an ice cream maker for sorbet or pour into a shallow pan and freeze, stirring every few hours, for granita.
  • 10 of 10

    With Fish

    Salmon in a Baking Dish with Lemons
    Annabelle Breakey / Getty Images

    The bright sweetness of Meyer lemons makes them a great match for fish. Bake fish with thin slices of Meyer lemon on top or simply serve a few wedges for squirting alongside your favorite baked, broiled, steamed, or grilled fish.