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How to can Lemonade Concentrate

Learn how to can lemonade concentrate and capture the taste of summer in a jar. Discover my family's favorite recipe for year-round fresh flavor.

Ingredients
  

  • 12 cups fresh lemon juice about 40-50 lemons
  • 12 cups granulated sugar

Equipment

  • water bath canner
  • ladle

Method
 

  1. Prepare a boiling water bath canner and sanitize your pint or quart jars by washing them in hot, soapy water and keeping them hot until ready to use. Prepare new lids according to the manufacturer's directions.
  2. Wash lemons thoroughly under cool running water, then roll each one firmly on the counter to help release more juice before cutting them in half.
  3. Squeeze the lemons to extract the juice, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove all pulp and seeds for a clear concentrate.
  4. Combine the strained lemon juice and granulated sugar in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or stockpot.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved.
  6. Carefully ladle the hot lemonade concentrate into the sanitized jars, leaving a precise ΒΌ-inch of headspace at the top.
  7. Remove any air bubbles by running a clean plastic knife or bubble-removal tool around the inside of the jars, then wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth.
  8. Center the new lids on the jars and apply the rings until they are just finger-tight to allow air to escape during processing.
  9. Process the filled jars in the boiling water bath canner, ensuring the water covers the jars by at least 1-2 inches, for 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude as needed.
  10. Turn off the heat and let the jars rest in the canner for 5 minutes before carefully removing them with a jar lifter and letting them cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours on a towel-lined counter.

Notes

Once the jars have cooled completely, check the seals by pressing on the center of each lid; it should not flex or pop. Remove the rings, wipe the jars clean, and label them with the date before storing them in a cool, dark place for up to 18 months. To serve, mix one part concentrate with three to four parts cold water or sparkling water, and adjust to your family's taste. Enjoy that little jar of sunshine