Ingredient Guide•Lemon Juice
All Ingredients
Low Calorie
Condiments & SaucesAssam, northern Myanmar, and China
Lemon JuiceCalories, Nutrition Facts, Culinary Uses & Recipes
Scientific Name:Citrus limon
Also known as:
Lemon JuiceNimbu ka RasLimbu RasJus de citronZumo de limon
Lemon juice is the sour, acidic liquid squeezed from fresh citrus fruits known commonly as lemons. It has a sharp, bright, and tangy flavor with a strong citrus aroma. In everyday cooking, it is used to brighten curries, make tempering (tadka) pop, flavor sabzi, mix into tangy chutneys, and stir into rasam. Globally, it adds a fresh zip to soups, salad dressings, pasta sauces, and baked goods.
Calories (100g)29 kcal
Dietary ProfileVegetarian
Default UnitTablespoon
Calories in Lemon Juice & Nutritional Facts
Standard food-composition values per 100g edible portion and realistic serving portions
How many calories are in Lemon Juice?
100 grams of Lemon Juice (raw/dry reference weight) provides approximately 29 kcal, 9.0g carbohydrates, 0.4g protein, 0.2g fat, and 0.3g dietary fiber. A realistic single-person portion of 50g contains roughly 15 kcal before cooking oils or garnishes.
29.0kcal
Calories
0.4g
Protein
9.0g
Carbs
0.2g
Fat
0.3g
Fiber
2.5g
Sugar
| Portion Size | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per 30g (Small / 2–3 Tbsp) | 9 kcal | 2.7g | 0.1g | 0.1g | 0.1g |
| Per 50g (Standard Home Serving) | 15 kcal | 4.5g | 0.2g | 0.1g | 0.1g |
| Per 100g (Standard Reference) | 29 kcal | 9.0g | 0.4g | 0.2g | 0.3g |
Source & Disclaimer: Nutritional figures represent approximate values per 100g edible portion compiled from standard food-composition references (including ICMR-NIN Indian Food Composition Tables & USDA FoodData Central). Values vary by grain thickness, moisture, brand, and added cooking oils or garnishes. Provided for general culinary information only and not as medical or clinical dietary advice.
Storage Instructions
Keep Lemon Juice fresh and long-lasting
Room Temperature: Freshly cut lemons last for about a week at room temperature on the counter. In the Fridge: Squeezed lemon juice keeps well in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 4 days, while whole lemons stay fresh for up to 3 weeks if kept in a plastic bag. Freezing: You can freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays for several months to use whenever a recipe calls for a splash of acid.
Kitchen Preparation & Cooking Uses
Best culinary practices & prep tips
How to Prep: Roll lemons firmly on the kitchen counter using the palm of your hand before cutting to break the internal membranes and release more juice. Best Way to Cook: Always add lemon juice at the very end of cooking hot curries or soups, because boiling it for too long makes the flavor turn bitter. Which Type to Buy: Choose heavy, firm lemons with bright yellow skin because they usually hold much more juice than lighter or dry ones.
General Nutritional & Wellness Notes
Everyday dietary context for Lemon Juice as part of balanced home cooking
Lemon juice is very good for health because it provides a strong dose of vitamin C, which supports your immune system and skin. It contains very few calories and helps with digestion when mixed with warm water. The natural acids in lemon juice can also help your body absorb iron better from plant-based foods.
Culinary Uses, Origins & Cultural Heritage
How Lemon Juice is used across regional kitchens and history
Common Culinary Uses
Long before modern refrigeration, people used lemon juice as a natural preservative to keep fish and meat from spoiling too quickly. Historic cookbooks from various cultures show that lemon juice was prized for its ability to cut through heavy fats and balance rich flavors in sauces.
Historical Roots
Lemon trees first grew wild in the foothills of the Himalayas, spreading through parts of India, Myanmar, and China thousands of years ago. Traders and travelers gradually carried the fruit westward along ancient trade routes into the Middle East and the Mediterranean region.
Regional & Cultural Traditions
For centuries, lemons have held an important place in Indian culture, appearing in traditional home remedies, religious rituals, and daily meals. Across the globe, historic sailors famously carried citrus fruits on long sea voyages to prevent scurvy, making lemon a trusted staple for survival and health.
Did You Know?
Did you know that lemons do not ripen further after they are picked from the tree, so the ones you buy at the store are already fully mature? You can also use leftover lemon halves with salt to scrub and clean copper utensils back to a bright shine.
Chef & Cooking Tips
If your curry or soup tastes too salty or heavy, stir in a small teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to instantly balance the flavors. To rescue a dish where you accidentally added too much lemon juice, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of dairy to soften the sharp acid.
Recipes Using Lemon Juice
Explore 1 recipe featuring Lemon Juice
Frequently Asked Questions about Lemon Juice
Common questions on calories, cooking methods, and kitchen storage
How many calories are in Lemon Juice?
Per 100 grams (raw/dry reference weight), Lemon Juice contains approximately 29 kcal, 9.0g carbohydrates, 0.4g protein, 0.2g fat, and 0.3g dietary fiber. A typical 50g culinary portion provides roughly 15 kcal before cooking oils, butter, or garnishes are added.
What is Lemon Juice and how is it used in cooking?
Lemon juice is the sour, acidic liquid squeezed from fresh citrus fruits known commonly as lemons. It has a sharp, bright, and tangy flavor with a strong citrus aroma. In everyday cooking, it is used to brighten curries, make tempering (tadka) pop, flavor sabzi, mix into tangy chutneys, and stir into rasam. Globally, it adds a fresh zip to soups, salad dressings, pasta sauces, and baked goods.
How do you prepare and cook with Lemon Juice?
How to Prep: Roll lemons firmly on the kitchen counter using the palm of your hand before cutting to break the internal membranes and release more juice. Best Way to Cook: Always add lemon juice at the very end of cooking hot curries or soups, because boiling it for too long makes the flavor turn bitter. Which Type to Buy: Choose heavy, firm lemons with bright yellow skin because they usually hold much more juice than lighter or dry ones.
How should Lemon Juice be stored to keep it fresh?
Room Temperature: Freshly cut lemons last for about a week at room temperature on the counter. In the Fridge: Squeezed lemon juice keeps well in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 4 days, while whole lemons stay fresh for up to 3 weeks if kept in a plastic bag. Freezing: You can freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays for several months to use whenever a recipe calls for a splash of acid.
What are the nutritional qualities of Lemon Juice?
Lemon juice is very good for health because it provides a strong dose of vitamin C, which supports your immune system and skin. It contains very few calories and helps with digestion when mixed with warm water. The natural acids in lemon juice can also help your body absorb iron better from plant-based foods. (For general culinary reference only, not medical advice.)
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