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

Although enjoying a large ol’ pitcher of lemonade is beautiful overmuch nan epitome of summertime vibes, nan truth is that citrus play is conscionable getting started. Shocking, I know: It peaks smack dab successful nan mediate of winter.

Indeed, astir citrus varieties are disposable year-round; however, if you’re looking to get your hands connected those deliciously saccharine Meyer lemons astatine their highest freshness, December done May will apt beryllium your champion bet. However, if you’re well-acquainted pinch nan apical tricks for keeping citrus fresh, you already cognize that freezing them is by acold nan champion measurement to compression (pun intended) nan astir life retired of them—and bask them good past spring. What's more, stiff lemons (yep, we’re talking nan full darn thing: pith, zest, and pulp) are besides packed pinch anti-inflammatory benefits and make for nan cleanable mix-in to brighten up your mundane smoothie-making routine.

Did we suffer you astatine "entire lemon?" Don't spell sour connected america conscionable yet! Ahead, we make a lawsuit for celebrating each inch of your citrus, and stock immoderate of nan champion stiff citrus smoothie recipes that will adhd endless zest to your life.

What are nan benefits of consuming full lemons?

Dietitians corroborate that lemons are rich successful nutritional perks. For starters, they're a potent root of basal vitamins and nutrients, containing astir 50 percent of nan recommended regular worth of vitamin C per citrus (or astir 35 milligrams of nan vitamin per fruit). As such, nan powerful antioxidants recovered successful lemons thief boost immune usability and conflict against free extremist damage. That said, while citrus juice has a bevy of benefits, it whitethorn behoove america each to salary person attraction to nan often-forgotten citrus peels. In fact, you’re doing yourself a immense disservice by tossing them out.

According to dietitians, lemon peels incorporate calcium, vitamin C, potassium, and immoderate fiber. What’s more, investigation shows that citrus peels tin person cardiovascular benefits, including perchance reducing humor unit levels. "Some studies bespeak that limonene and nan different flavonoids successful citrus rind are straight linked to preventing nan statement and dispersed of cancerous tumors, particularly, crab of nan mouth, pharynx, larynx, and stomach," registered dietitian Katherine Brooking, RD says. Lemon peels—albeit potent—are judge sounding much and much enticing now, right?

How to make stiff lemons

Although lemons don’t spoil arsenic quickly as, say, berries, freezing them tin thief prolong their support life. If pressed for time, freezing ‘em full will do nan trick. However, we’ve recovered that slicing them into pieces before tossing them successful nan freezer is overmuch much applicable for mundane use.

To do so, simply portion nan consequence arsenic you’d like—we urge mini wedges—and laic them level without rubbing 1 different connected a parchment-lined baking expanse earlier transferring them to nan freezer. Once afloat frozen, cod nan portion and shop them successful a freezer-safe instrumentality earlier returning them to nan freezer. Get this: You tin besides simply frost nan citrus peels connected their own, arsenic demonstrated successful this recent TikTok video by @sunkistcitrus.

@sunkistcitrus Citrus doesn’t conscionable spell acold connected your plates; it tin past for weeks pinch nan correct tips and tricks. #sunkistcitrus ♬ Sunshine - WIRA

3 anti-inflammatory stiff citrus smoothie recipes 

Photo: Ambitious Kitchen

1. Lemon Blueberry Smoothie

Blueberries, a banana, lemons (juice and zest), almond extract, and dairy-free beverage are each you request to make this elemental five-ingredient citrus blueberry smoothie look by Ambitious Kitchen. Best part? It’s packed pinch much than 1 root of potent anti-inflammatory antioxidants (hi, stone prima blueberries). Want to make things moreover easier, particularly erstwhile uncovering nan clip to make a smoothie earlier you tally retired nan doorway is astir impossible? Throw it each successful nan BlendQuik Portable Blender, for a delicious smoothie connected nan go. (BTW, it’s spill-proof and drinkable straight from nan cup, err, blender.) No messiness and no stress.

Get nan recipe: Lemon Blueberry Smoothie

Photo: Eating by Elaine

2. Creamy Vegan Lemon Smoothie

This creamy vegan citrus smoothie by Eating by Elaine, calls for 2 ample juicy lemons (juiced and zested aliases stiff wedges, obvi), on pinch a fewer different protein-and fiber-rich ingredients, for illustration Medjool dates and blanched almonds. The portion besides offers a medley of optional smoothie booster options, including anti-inflammatory turmeric, and omega-3 fatty acids-rich chia and/or hemp seeds. Plus, according to nan look developer, “it's made to aftermath you up pinch a smile!”

Get nan recipe: Creamy Vegan Lemon Smoothie

Photo: Eating Bird Food

3. Hidden-Veggie Lemon Smoothie

Looking to sneak successful an other serving of veggies? This easy citrus smoothie look by Eating Bird Food is made pinch a somewhat astonishing concealed ingredient: cauliflower. Thankfully, owed to nan mild-tasting quality of this veggie, it goes wholly unnoticed successful nan last merchandise and is overpowered by different (tastier-for-a-smoothie) ingredients, specified arsenic turmeric, caller ginger, and lemon.

Get nan recipe: Lemon Smoothie

Discover really to make a zero-waste citrus popsicle recipe: