| How to Get More Juice out of a Lemon Posted: 30 Jun 2020 05:00 PM PDT Fresh-squeezed lemon juice makes the perfect addition to many dishes, recipes, and cocktails. Unfortunately, getting a lot of juice out of a lemon can be difficult. To get the most out of a lemon, start by freezing it. Then, remove it and heat it up in the microwave or by soaking it in warm water. Then, cut it lengthwise instead of horizontally to expose as much of the membrane as possible. Squeeze the lemon over a large bowl before using a fork to tear up the membrane and get at more of the juice. [Edit]Heating the Lemon - Freeze your lemon before thawing and heating it. To get the maximum amount of juice from your lemon, freeze it before juicing. After freezing solid, take it out and let it thaw for 4-8 hours, until the rind reaches room temperature. When you heat it afterwards, the frozen juice will expand in the membrane of the fruit and break down. This will make the juicing process more efficient and give you the most juice possible.[1]
- It's actually a lot harder to juice a lemon when it's cold or at room temperature. Heating the lemon before cutting it is the best way to juice your fruit.
- Put a whole lemon in the microwave for 10-20 seconds. Place the lemon onto a paper towel or plate. Set the lemon in the center of a microwave. Heat the lemon on medium power for 10-20 seconds.[2]
- This is faster than soaking the lemon in warm water, but it's a little riskier. If there are any tiny holes in the lemon's rind, you'll end up evaporating some of the juice.
- If your lemon is at room temperature, heat it for 10 seconds. If it was in the refrigerator, microwave it for 20 seconds.
- Soak the lemon in a bowl of warm water for 30-40 minutes. Grab a large bowl and fill it with hot water from your sink. Place your lemon in the bowl and let it sink to the bottom. Let the lemon soak for 30-40 minutes, replacing the water once every 10 minutes to ensure that it stays warm.[3]
- This is more time-consuming than microwaving your lemon, but you won't cause any of the juice to evaporate.
- Roll the lemon around before cutting it to loosen the juices. Before you cut your lemon, roll it around on your countertop or cutting board. Set the lemon down so that it lays on its side. Place your palm on top and press down with moderate pressure. Then, roll the lemon back and forth between your palm and the hard surface. Do this for 30-45 seconds to soften the membrane inside the lemon.[4]
[Edit]Cutting the Lemon - Wash your lemon and set it out on a cutting board. Wash your hands with soap and water before rinsing the lemon under cool water. Shake it over the sink and dry it with a paper towel to remove the excess water. Set your fruit out on a clean cutting board.[5]
- This process can get kind of messy, so wash your hands to keep the juice free of contaminants.
- Cut the lemon lengthwise in half through the center for a clean cut. Grab a non-serrated chef's knife with a sharp edge. Brace the lemon with your nondominant hand and place your knife directly over the center of your lemon. Puncture the lemon with the blade of your knife and remove your nondominant hand to get it out of the way. Press all the way through the center to cut it in half.[6]
- The idea here is to expose as much of the membrane as possible. When people cut a lemon horizontally, they end up trapping a lot of the juice near the stems.
- Peel the lemon over a strainer to extract the juice. Hold the uncut lemon upright on your cutting board. Brace the lemon with your nondominant hand. Starting at the top of the lemon, cut into the rind at an angle away from you. Carve through the rind by moving your knife back and forth between the skin and the membrane. Repeat this process by rotating the lemon to remove the skin.[7]
- Peeling your lemon is a little messy, but it's the only way to access the juice from every part of the lemon.
- Always cut away from your nondominant hand as you brace the lemon. If your lemon is too small or your hands are too big, you can hold it in place by gripping it with tongs.
- Squeeze the lemon hard while holding it over a large bowl. Take your lemon and hold it over a large bowl, just beneath the rim. Wrap your palm around the peeled lemon and point the exposed membrane down towards the bowl. Squeeze hard to remove the majority of the juice. With slices, hold the opposite ends between your index finger and thumb. Squeeze your fingers together to remove most of the juice.[8]
- Place a strainer over your bowl if you don't want any of the membrane to end up in the juice.
- If your bowl is too small, you'll end up sending lemon juice all over the place. Get a bowl that is at least 4-5 times the size of your lemon.
- Use the tines of a fork to poke the membrane before squeezing again. After you've given your lemon an initial squeeze, grab a fork. Use the tines of the fork to poke holes in the surface of your lemon. Poke each section 5-10 times to break the membrane apart. Then, squeeze the lemon again to extract even more juice.[9]
- You can use a knife instead of a fork if you'd like. The tines of a fork make it easy to puncture the lemon multiple times at once, though.
- Use a hand juicer to extract the juice cleanly. A juicer is an excellent tool when it comes to extracting liquid from a fruit. Cut the lemon in half width-wise if you're going to use a juicer. After cutting your lemon, place one half on top of your juicer with the skin facing up. Press down while twisting the lemon into the blades. Do this for 45-60 seconds to extract the juice. Repeat this process with the other half of your lemon.[10]
- Twist the top of the hand juicer off by hand to access the juice that collects underneath.
- The standard lemon you find at a grocery store is usually a Eureka or Lisbon lemon. Meyer lemons are smaller, but produce a lot more juice. You can typically find Meyer lemons in Asian supermarkets, since they're native to China.[11]
[Edit]Warnings - Lemon juice can sting if it gets in your eyes, so wash your hands after squeezing your lemons.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Heating the Lemon - Microwave
- Plate or paper towel
- Bowl
- Water
- Rolling pin (optional)
[Edit]Cutting the Lemon - Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Paring knife
- Large bowl
- Strainer (optional)
- Fork
- Hand juicer
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Unclog Hair Follicles Posted: 30 Jun 2020 09:00 AM PDT Clogged hair follicles, a condition often called folliculitis, can be unsightly, itchy, and painful. It usually occurs after hair removal on your face, groin, legs, and armpits, often because a bacterial or fungal infection, chemical irritation, or mechanical injury inflames the hair follicles. If you're experiencing this condition, allow your skin ample time to heal. Use warm compresses and washes to help the condition clear up. Then take steps to prevent the problem from coming back. [Edit]Treating Blocked Follicles - Stop your hair removal regimen for 30 days. Blocked or inflamed hair follicles usually result from hair removal, and can affect all areas that you shave, wax, or trim. If you continue your hair removal regimen while the follicles are inflamed, your skin will take much longer to heal. Allow 30 days before restarting your regimen to give your skin enough healing time.[1]
- If your work requires you to be clean-shaven, consult your dermatologist right away for suggestions on removing hair without aggravating your condition.
- Apply a warm compress to the affected area 3 to 4 times a day. A warm compress opens up your pores and helps free hair follicles of blockages. Apply one for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Repeat this treatment 3 or 4 times every day to keep your pores open and allow blockages to work themselves out.[2]
- There are many store-bought options for a warm compress, or your can make your own at home.
- A washcloth soaked in warm water will also work, although it may not stay warm for very long.
- Do not keep a warm compress applied for more than 20 minutes to prevent burning your skin.
- Wash your hair with an apple cider vinegar mixture. Folliculitis can also affect your scalp. If the blocked hair follicles are on your scalp, several washing procedures can help clear the blockages. Apple cider vinegar can naturally remove clumps and residue of dead skin or oil, which helps unclog follicles.[3]
- Mix 1 part water with 1 part apple cider vinegar. For example, if you use 1 cup (.24 l) of water, use the same amount of apple cider vinegar.
- Pour the mixture onto your hair after shampooing. Rinse out all the shampoo before applying the vinegar.
- Massage the mixture into your scalp and let it sit for a few minutes. Then rinse it fully with water.
- Don't apply conditioner.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing until the inflammation clears. Folliculitis is often caused by tight, heavy clothes or skin rubbing together, especially if you have excess body weight. This is common in your armpits, groin, and upper thigh areas, and it occurs most often in hot, humid weather. If you're experiencing inflammation, avoid tight clothing while your skin heals. Otherwise, the friction from clothing will continue inflaming your skin and it will take longer to heal.[4]
- Apply a topical antibiotic to the area 3 times a day for 7-10 days. Dab a topical antibiotic onto the area affected by folliculitis 3 times daily to help treat the infection. Continue to apply the antibiotic for 7-10 days to help your skin heal.[5]
- For instance, use Mupirocin (Bactroban) topical cream to treat your folliculitis. You can find over-the-counter antibiotic creams at your local drug store or online.
- If you don't see improvement after a few days of treatment, visit your doctor to find out if you need additional treatment.
- Consult a dermatologist if the problem doesn't clear up in a few days. Home remedies don't always work for inflamed hair follicles. If you've been treating the condition on your own for a few days and see no improvement, make an appointment with your dermatologist for professional advice.[6]
- The dermatologist may try a variety of treatments for you, depending on what is causing your inflamed hair follicles. If it is a bacterial infection, for example, they may prescribe an oral antibiotic or antibiotic cream.
- If you've developed any cysts or abscesses from the infection, the dermatologist will probably drain them for you.
- Also ask your dermatologist what steps you can take to prevent the problem from coming back.
[Edit]Preventing Folliculitis - Maintain good hygiene to keep your skin clean. Bathe daily with soap and warm water to remove bacteria and fungi from your skin before they can cause folliculitis. Additionally, bathe after you get really sweaty or dirty. To protect your skin, apply a thin layer of moisturizer after you bathe.[7]
- Use a mild soap to remove dirt, oils, bacteria, and fungi.
- Boost your immune system. Since bacterial or fungal infections usually cause folliculitis, boosting your immune system can help prevent the problem. This ensures your body can fight off potential infections before they happen.[8]
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Fatigue can suppress your immunity.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.
- Avoid processed and sugary foods.
- Use only well-maintained pools or hot tubs. People often pick up the bacteria causing hair follicle infections from unsanitary pools or hot tubs. If you suspect a pool or hot tub isn't clean, play it safe and avoid bathing.[9]
- If you own a pool or hot tub, keep it chlorinated to prevent bacterial growth.
- The water should not be cloudy. Make sure you can see clearly to the bottom of the pool before bathing.[10]
- If hot tub foam is still floating on the water's surface after the jets are turned off, it's an indication that the water is not well-filtrated.
- Take a shower right after swimming if you suspect the water was unsanitary.
- Wash your bathing suit after every use. The bacteria that causes hair follicle inflammation can live on your swimsuit after your get out of the water. This means you can re-infect yourself if you don't wash it. Wash your swimsuit after every use to prevent infections.[11]
- Shave properly. Improper shaving practices can cause ingrown hairs and infections. If you're prone to hair follicle inflammation, follow a few steps while shaving.[12]
- Wet your skin with warm water before shaving to soften the hair.
- Shave in the direction that hair grows.
- Store your razor in a dry area to prevent bacteria from growing on it.
- Use only a sharp razor to prevent cuts and tearing.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing when it's hot and humid. Sweat and friction from clothes rubbing on your skin can cause a flare-up of folliculitis. Prevent this problem by avoiding tight clothing in hot, humid weather.[13]
- Try applying some baby powder to your skin to prevent friction from causing a flare-up.
- Avoid tight clothes while exercising too. If you do wear tight exercise clothes, remove the clothes immediately after working out and take a shower.
- Use only a reputable waxing salon. Unsanitary waxing salons can spread the bacteria that causes folliculitis. Reduce your risk by only visiting reputable and sanitary waxing salons.[14]
- Do an internet search for the salon you're considering and see if there are negative reviews or news stories about it.
- Ask your friends about their experiences at particular waxing salons.
[Edit]References |
| How to Heal a Lip Burn Posted: 30 Jun 2020 01:00 AM PDT Burns on your lips can be painful and annoying to deal with, but there are ways you can treat minor ones at home. When you accidentally get a burn, start by cleaning and cooling it down to reduce the risk of infection. After the initial care, continue moisturizing your lips and relieving pain with over-the-counter medications and gels. As long as you treat the burn properly, it should go away within about 1 week. If you have a severe burn or your condition worsens, contact your doctor immediately. [Edit]Treating the Burn Immediately - See a doctor if there are blisters or the burn looks dark-colored. Check the burn so you can see how it looks. If it's red or slightly swollen, then you most likely have a first-degree burn that you can easily treat at home. However, if you have darkened skin, blisters, or numbness in your lips, it may be second-degree or third-degree burn and you need medical assistance. Go to the doctor as soon as you can so you can get proper treatment.[1]
- Don't try to pop any blisters at home since they're more likely to get infected.
- You should also see a doctor if you burned the inside of your mouth.
- Clean the burn with liquid soap or a saline solution to disinfect it. Immediately rinse the burn with lukewarm or cool water to relieve some of the pain. Gently lather liquid soap onto your lips to clean them. You can also spray the burn with a saline solution if it's painful to apply soap. Rinse off the soap or saline solution with lukewarm water.[2]
- Saline solution may sting slightly when you apply it.
- Don't apply too much pressure when you lather the soap or else you could cause more pain.
- Hold a cool, damp cloth on your lip to reduce inflammation. Wet a clean washcloth under cold water and wring out any excess. Hold the compress directly against your burned lips and keep it there for up to 20 minutes to relieve the pain. If the compress gets warm, rewet it with cool water again before putting it back on your lips.[3]
- Don't use a dirty cloth since it could increase your chances of getting an infection.
- Try to keep your head upright as much as possible to prevent the burn from swelling.
- Rub white petroleum jelly into your lips to keep them moisturized. White petroleum jelly locks in moisture and can help protect the burn from infection. Rub a thin layer of the petroleum jelly gently onto your lips so you cover the entire burn. Leave the petroleum jelly on your lips for as long as you need and reapply it up to 2–3 times per day.[4]
- You can buy white petroleum jelly from your local drugstore or pharmacy.
- White petroleum jelly is safe to consume, so it's okay if you accidentally swallow some.
- Avoid putting any creams or salves on severe burns since they could make your condition worse.
[Edit]Caring for Your Burned Lips - Don't touch your lips if you don't need to. Touching the burned area on your lips can make it more susceptible to infection and cause pain. Leave the burn alone so it has time to heal on its own. If you need to touch your lips, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly beforehand to get rid of any bacteria.
- Don't smoke while your burns healing since it could cause more pain.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to help soothe the burn. Try ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or aspirin to help ease any pain you're feeling. Only use the recommended dose on the medication's package and wait about 30 minutes to feel the effects. If you still feel pain 6–8 hours later, take another dose of pain relievers.[5]
- Follow the dosing instructions on the medication's package since many only recommend taking 4–5 daily.
- If you feel severe pain from your burn, contact your doctor so they can check the severity of the burn and possibly prescribe you stronger pain relievers.
- Apply aloe gel to the burn to help relieve the burning sensation. Aloe gel has healing properties and can relieve pain from burns effectively. Spread a thin layer of aloe gel on your lips until you cover the entire burn. Allow the aloe to sit and absorb into your skin to treat the burn. Reapply the aloe 2–3 times each day if you're still feeling pain or warmth around your lips.[6]
- Don't use aloe gel on severe burns unless you get your doctor's approval first.
- Visit your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse. After about 1 week, check your burn in a mirror to see how much it's healed. If the burn looks smaller, continue treating it the same way you have been until it goes away. If it still looks the same or it feels worse than before, let your doctor know so they can check if there's anything else affecting your treatment.[7]
- Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or pain relievers depending on what they find during your appointment.
- Use lip balm with SPF 50 if you plan on going out in the sun. If you go out in the sun, the heat may cause pain, make skin damage worse, or give you sunburn. Look for a lip balm that's labeled for sun protection and apply a thin layer over the burn. Reapply the lip balm after 1–2 hours in the sun so you have continuous protection.[8]
- Wear a hat or use an umbrella to keep your lips out of the sun if you still feel pain.
- If you don't have an SPF lip balm, apply a natural sunscreen to your lips. Look for a zinc oxide-based sunscreen that's free of BPA, parabens, and fragrance. Some natural sunscreens also contain soothing plant-based ingredients, such as aloe vera and sunflower oil.
- Try to eat mostly cold foods if you're able since heat will make the burn feel more painful.
- Many minor burns don't need additional treatment after initially caring for them.
- Avoid having spicy foods or alcohol while your burn's healing since these could cause more pain.[9]
- Stay hydrated as much as possible to help promote healing and prevent skin damage.
- Prevent future lip burns by shading your face with a wide-brimmed hat and wearing a lip balm with an SPF of at least 30 while spending time in the sun. Be extra cautious when you're in overcast but windy conditions or at high altitudes, since these conditions can put you at greater risk of developing lip burns.
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid putting any creams or salves on a severe burn unless you're instructed to by a doctor.
- If you have severe lip swelling or blisters on your lips, or if the burn looks dark-colored, see a doctor immediately since the burn may be severe.
- Don't put ice on the burn since it can cause more damage to your skin.[10]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Liquid soap or saline solution
- Washcloth
- White petroleum jelly
- Pain relievers
- Aloe gel
- Lip balm with SPF 50
[Edit]References |
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