# How to prepare a lemon or an orange

## The essentials

The zest is the coloured part of the peel, never the white underneath, which is bitter. You zest before you juice. A medium lemon gives about three tablespoons of juice, an orange about twice that.

## Choosing it

Heavy for its size, the peel thin and supple. For zest, take an untreated or organic fruit, otherwise wash it in hot water, scrubbing.

## Preparing it

Wash it. For zest, grate the peel on a fine grater, turning the fruit, without going into the white. For juice, roll the fruit under your palm while pressing, cut it in half and squeeze.

## Cutting it for the dish

- The grated zest, for a cake, a marinade or a sauce.
- The juice, for a vinaigrette, a marinade or to stop an avocado or an apple from browning.
- In rounds or wedges, for flavoured water or a fish in the oven.

## How long it takes

One minute.

## Storing it

At room temperature, a week; in the fridge, three to four weeks. The juice freezes in an ice cube tray.

## Make it tonight

The build-your-own marinated chicken: the lemon of the lemon and cilantro marinade.

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Source : disheazy, https://disheazy.com/bases/how-to-prepare-a-lemon-or-an-orange
