Lemon Squeezer

Pomegranates and citrus fruit have a fundamentally different structure, which is why a lemon squeezer is less suitable for pomegranates. While lemons and limes have soft flesh that the squeezer presses out efficiently, a pomegranate consists of firm seeds enclosed in juice-filled sacs. Squeezing could crush these seeds, which makes the juice bitter and could damage the squeezer.
For pomegranates, a dedicated juicer that extracts the juice gently without crushing the seeds is a better choice. Alternatively, you can squeeze them by hand through a fine cloth – that way, the flavour and quality are preserved.

The bitter taste comes from the essential oils in the peel of citrus fruit. If too much pressure is applied when squeezing, these oils can be released and mixed into the juice. This can affect the flavour, especially with lemons and limes, as their peel contains a high concentration of bitter compounds. To avoid this, only apply as much pressure to the lemon squeezer as is needed to extract the juice from the flesh.

If pulp or pips get stuck in the holes of the squeezer, this affects both the amount of juice you get and the cleaning. In such cases, it helps to clean the citrus squeezer by hand with a small spoon or a fine brush. Warm water often loosens stuck-on residue more quickly, and for stubborn dirt you can also use a soft sponge. To avoid the problem from the start, you can lightly score the fruit before squeezing or remove pips and excess pulp. Cleaning the squeezer regularly while you're squeezing can also help keep the holes clear and make the job more efficient.

Yes, lemon squeezers are versatile and suitable not only for lemons but also for limes and smaller oranges. Limes often fit nicely if the squeezer is small, while larger oranges or grapefruits may need to be halved or cut into smaller pieces to squeeze well.

Lemon juice is a versatile seasoning, but it can have unwanted effects on some foods. The acid in lemon causes dairy products such as cream or yoghurt to curdle – an effect that's desirable in some dishes but not in others. With delicate foods such as raw fish or tender vegetables, the acid can also change the texture and mask their natural flavour. So use lemon juice sparingly and deliberately, especially with delicately flavoured foods. If you're unsure, try a small amount first before adding the juice generously.

Measuring 220 x 71 x 53 mm and weighing 369 g, the lemon squeezer is compact and light. It takes up little space in your kitchen drawer, yet it's robust enough for everyday use.