A citrus squeezer, also known as a citrus juicer or lemon squeezer, is a kitchen tool designed specifically for extracting juice from citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits. It is a simple and effective device used to manually squeeze the juice out of the fruit without the need for electrical power.
The typical design of a citrus squeezer consists of two handles and a bowl-shaped receptacle with ridged or ribbed surfaces. The fruit is halved, and one half is placed cut-side down into the bowl of the squeezer. As you press the handles together, the ridged surfaces of the squeezer apply pressure to the fruit, forcing it to release its juice through the holes between the ridges. The juice is collected in a container or directly into a dish while the seeds and pulp are retained within the squeezer.
Citrus squeezers are available in different materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic. Stainless steel and aluminum squeezers are popular choices due to their sturdiness and easy cleaning.
Using a citrus squeezer is a quick and efficient way to extract fresh citrus juice for recipes, beverages, dressings, marinades, and more. It ensures that you get the maximum juice yield from the fruit without much effort, and it also helps to avoid getting seeds or pulp into the final juice. Whether you’re making lemonade, adding a zesty touch to your dishes, or preparing cocktails, a citrus squeezer can be a valuable tool in the kitchen.