Daily Kitchen Note
Cold citrus fruits can be stubborn and difficult to squeeze, resulting in a lower juice yield. By briefly warming the fruit in the microwave and rolling it on the counter, you soften the rind and burst the internal juice vesicles, making it much easier to extract every last drop.
How to Warm before juicing
- Place the whole citrus fruit in the microwave.
- Microwave on high for 10 to 15 seconds until the fruit is just warm to the touch.
- Remove the fruit and roll it firmly back and forth on the countertop under the palm of your hand.
- Cut the fruit in half and juice it using a reamer or press.
Why it works
Heat relaxes the fruit's cellular structure and softens the rind, while rolling physically tears the internal membranes of the juice sacs, allowing the juice to flow freely.
Source
America's Test Kitchen: How to Spot the Best Lemons at the Grocery Store
