Why do canning recipes call for bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? This is one of the frequently asked questions for new home canners. Isn’t fresh lemon juice, well, fresher, and isn’t that part of the reason we’re canning, to preserve the best, most natural, most fresh food possible to provide for our families?
The USDA recommends bottled lemon juice because of the consistency of the pH in the standardized production process. Fresh lemons may vary in pH. This is particularly important when canning low acid vegetables such as tomatoes, but not as important when canning fruits. This is why if you look in the Ball Blue Book at a stewed tomato recipe, it calls for bottled lemon juice specifically, but if you look at strawberry jam, it simply calls for lemon juice. Sometimes a recipe you find posted on the web or a hand-scrawled recipe given to you by a friend may not be as specific, so it’s important to know the difference. In a jam recipe, the lemon juice is there to help with the set while in a low acid vegetable or tomato recipe (or a recipe with a mix of ingredients that includes low acid items), the lemon juice is there to lower the pH. So go ahead, use the fresh-squeezed lemon in your fruits, but don’t forget to have the bottle on-hand for other recipes where it’s required. (You can also use 1/4 teaspoon citric acid in place of every 1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice called for in a recipe, if you prefer.)
It’s a Ball Blue Book Project day! Today’s Ball Blue Book is sponsored by Billie at No Crack Cream. You can visit her here.
For a chance to win: Leave a comment on this post and let me know you want it. You can just put (BBB) at the end of your comment or otherwise note that you want to be in the draw. One winner will be drawn by random comment number to receive a Ball Blue Book. Eligible entry cut-off is midnight Eastern (U.S.) time tonight (April 7). This post will be updated with the winner by 9 a.m. Eastern (U.S.) time tomorrow (April 8). Return to this post to claim your book if your name is drawn (or check the BBB Winners List).
Find out more about the Ball Blue Book Project and become a sponsor.
UPDATE 04/08/11: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is #27, jenni. Email me at CITRgiveaways(at)yahoo.com with your full name and address for shipping!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED TO ENTRY.
Kristen says:
Oh, the things I learn lurking here.
BBB, please. 😀
Have a grand day and may the sun shine for you, too.
On April 7, 2011 at 1:08 am
cricketjett says:
BBB, please!!
On April 7, 2011 at 1:26 am
Michelle says:
Enter me, please!
On April 7, 2011 at 1:50 am
zeitgewandt says:
hm, that makes sense.. Thanks! 🙂
BBB please!
On April 7, 2011 at 2:04 am
Blessing from a Wildflower says:
Thanks for the Lemon Information…I will write inside cover of BBB if I win…..Please! ~~HUGS~~
On April 7, 2011 at 2:14 am
Enjay says:
You can also use bottled lime juice as a substitute for bottled lemon juice. I love it in my salsa.
🙂
On April 7, 2011 at 3:34 am
Enjay says:
I forgot to say BBB!
On April 7, 2011 at 3:34 am
Jean - MN says:
Who knew? Thanks for the info. Thank you to Billie too! BBB Please!
On April 7, 2011 at 4:48 am
morningstar says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 5:04 am
Kathy in FL says:
Learn something new every day! BBB, please.
On April 7, 2011 at 5:29 am
Tracey In Paradise Pa. says:
:duck: great to know..thanks for sharing..
granny trace
http://www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com
On April 7, 2011 at 5:32 am
judydee says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 6:19 am
Suzanne_Arlene says:
Thank You for the info BBB Please
On April 7, 2011 at 6:20 am
Barbie says:
Thanks for the information on lemons!!! I didn’t know that. BBB please!! :chicken:
On April 7, 2011 at 6:24 am
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On April 7, 2011 at 6:30 am
Trudy says:
Enter me, please, for the BBB….
On April 7, 2011 at 6:31 am
Lindsay says:
Oooo good info, I didn’t know that! I’ve never canned tomatoes except salsa (and Enjay, I DO use lime, you’re right, it’s delicious!) and I use the crazytart lemons from our neighbor’s tree in my jams. Sooo sour, and sooo tasty! BBB please! :sun:
On April 7, 2011 at 6:43 am
ELS says:
How interesting! I plan on canning for the first time this summer, and would love to be entered in the BBB giveaway!
On April 7, 2011 at 6:53 am
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On April 7, 2011 at 6:56 am
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On April 7, 2011 at 7:28 am
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BBB Please!
On April 7, 2011 at 7:35 am
Kelly Jo Kirby says:
I so want the BOOK! Thanks for answering a question I also had on lemon juice. You are the best!
On April 7, 2011 at 7:40 am
Peggy says:
Interesting Lemeon Juice information. I never thought about lemons having different pH level from one lemon to another. I know that tomato varieties vary and should have know the same about lemons. BBB please
On April 7, 2011 at 7:40 am
Megan Duff says:
bbb, please and thank you!!
On April 7, 2011 at 7:41 am
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Thanks!!!!
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On April 7, 2011 at 7:56 am
jenni says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 8:04 am
Mary says:
Draw me! Draw me! (BBB)
On April 7, 2011 at 8:10 am
lilac wolf says:
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Good to know about lemon juice too.
On April 7, 2011 at 8:12 am
Hamp Girl says:
BBB please!
On April 7, 2011 at 8:15 am
windspiritwhimsies says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 8:19 am
langela says:
Enter me please. BBB!
On April 7, 2011 at 8:25 am
mika says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 8:27 am
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On April 7, 2011 at 8:29 am
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On April 7, 2011 at 8:30 am
prayingpup says:
That was great information. I, also, use lime juice for my salsa. BBB please!
On April 7, 2011 at 8:31 am
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I’d love one of the BBB. I hope to have a bumper crop of tomatoes this year and would love to learn to can them
On April 7, 2011 at 8:35 am
Patricialynn says:
BBB please!
It’s a good thing to know, the lemon juice thing. I wouldn’t even have thought that lemon juice was used in canned tomatoes!
On April 7, 2011 at 8:36 am
Janell says:
I had no idea, BBB
On April 7, 2011 at 8:38 am
patrice says:
BBB for me, me,me!
On April 7, 2011 at 8:40 am
Mary says:
Please enter me for the BBB!
On April 7, 2011 at 8:41 am
Shonda judy says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 8:42 am
Zusiqu says:
Thank you for the information on lemon ~ it was VERY helpful! BBB please?
On April 7, 2011 at 8:53 am
Anke says:
I learned something new today, thanks for sharing that.
BBB pretty please.
On April 7, 2011 at 8:56 am
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I have BBB lust.
On April 7, 2011 at 8:58 am
Mary says:
yes, would love a BBB!
On April 7, 2011 at 9:02 am
judithann says:
Thanks for that info. I’m brand-new to canning and didn’t know that! BBB, please…
On April 7, 2011 at 9:03 am
Cindy says:
Enter me in the BBB drawing please!
On April 7, 2011 at 9:04 am
gfoulds says:
Would love the BBB !! Please and Thank You ..
On April 7, 2011 at 9:05 am
Rachel says:
Who knew!? Thanks for the info! BBB please!
On April 7, 2011 at 9:07 am
Abiga/Karen says:
Me…..BBB please! 😮
On April 7, 2011 at 9:10 am
Gerry says:
Thanks for the lemon juice lesson. BBB please!
On April 7, 2011 at 9:16 am
Lydia Gray says:
Huh…who would have thought the Ph wouldn’t remain consistant, but I guess now that I’ve read it, it makes sense. Just like the essential oils may not be consistant in different plants of the same species. I guess it depends on how and where it’s grown? Very interesting read this morning. Thank you! 🙂
(BBB)
On April 7, 2011 at 9:17 am
mammaleigh says:
Never knew that! I am probably sure that my mom didn’t either…I can teach her this summer! I would love to be entered in the drawing.
Thanks!
On April 7, 2011 at 9:18 am
heidiannie says:
I think there is room in the world for both fresh and bottled lemon juice.
🙂
Just don’t give me bottled juice to go with my tea.
I’d like to be entered in the BBB, please.
Thanks.
On April 7, 2011 at 9:21 am
momof3inOKLA says:
Good Information, thanks for sharing. BBB please
On April 7, 2011 at 9:23 am
Mim says:
enter me please :pawprint:
On April 7, 2011 at 9:24 am
Bonnie says:
Who knew? BBB, please.
On April 7, 2011 at 9:26 am
Pam says:
One more try for a BBB!
On April 7, 2011 at 9:27 am
Vivian says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 9:27 am
ladychef68 says:
BBB
Okay, so are there recipes to can(bottle) your own lemon juice? lol
It will probably be another couple of years before my tree is big enough for that.
Thanks for the chance Suzanne and Billie.
On April 7, 2011 at 9:30 am
Jennifer S. says:
BBB please!
On April 7, 2011 at 9:32 am
Mountain Sunshine says:
Would love a copy of BBB…love to can and new recipes keep me excited about it!
On April 7, 2011 at 9:32 am
Sherri says:
BBB please!
On April 7, 2011 at 9:44 am
hollygee says:
Thanks for that information. I’d like the BBB.
On April 7, 2011 at 9:44 am
Jennifer B says:
I, too, had always wondered about the lemon juice. I had assumed it was so you could measure consistently, but I hadn’t thought about Ph.
And I really hope this time is my chance to win! BBB
On April 7, 2011 at 9:56 am
Tina says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 9:56 am
Sheepie-girl says:
Please pick ME for the BBB!!!
On April 7, 2011 at 10:01 am
Lori Dunn says:
BBB I need a new book.
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On April 7, 2011 at 10:09 am
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On April 7, 2011 at 10:10 am
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On April 7, 2011 at 10:14 am
Lynette says:
Would love a chance to win the BBB! Thanks for all of your useful information :chicken:
On April 7, 2011 at 10:16 am
Christina Bredenkamp says:
Include me in the BBB drawing!
On April 7, 2011 at 10:17 am
Hilary says:
I want it 🙂
On April 7, 2011 at 10:25 am
Laurie says:
Good info! BBB please!
On April 7, 2011 at 10:28 am
Ruth C says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 10:28 am
Crystal George says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 10:43 am
LeAnn says:
I’m always learning something at CITR. Thank you! Oh, and BBB please.
On April 7, 2011 at 10:46 am
AnnieB says:
Alwalys learning here! BBB Please!!!!
On April 7, 2011 at 10:49 am
brookdale says:
Thanks for the lemon info…who knew?
And thanks to Billie…BBB please!!!
On April 7, 2011 at 10:51 am
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On April 7, 2011 at 10:52 am
Kat J, Arizona says:
BBB, please. :moo:
On April 7, 2011 at 10:54 am
Nancy Stickler says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 10:58 am
chives says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 11:00 am
Miss Becky says:
well, this is didn’t know, so thanks for telling me this Suzanne. it’s very interesting and a good thing to know. thanks to Billie for sponsoring this giveaway! BBB!
On April 7, 2011 at 11:08 am
Diane says:
What a great tip! I did not know there was a difference. I always have citric acid on hand, thank you. BBB
On April 7, 2011 at 11:13 am
Ramona says:
I’d like a BBB.
On April 7, 2011 at 11:16 am
Ramona Slocum says:
Please put me in the BBB drawing. Thanks.
MN MONA
On April 7, 2011 at 11:16 am
Trica in TEXAS says:
BBB Please pick ME!!! :purpleflower:
On April 7, 2011 at 11:18 am
Terri - LA says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 11:26 am
Betsy says:
Please enter me in the BBB drawing, thanks!! 🙂
On April 7, 2011 at 11:32 am
Alison says:
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Need to learn more !
On April 7, 2011 at 11:36 am
geena22 says:
BBB Please=]
On April 7, 2011 at 11:42 am
marymac says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 11:48 am
Merino Mama says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 11:50 am
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>^.^<
On April 7, 2011 at 12:18 pm
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On April 7, 2011 at 12:22 pm
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:dancingmonster:
On April 7, 2011 at 12:40 pm
Carmell says:
BBB ….. :shocked:
On April 7, 2011 at 12:41 pm
Mindy W. says:
Thanks for the info. (BBB)
On April 7, 2011 at 1:06 pm
Sharon Dziekonski says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Carol in NC says:
I usually use citric acid just to be sure. Now I know why! BBB please. Thanks!
On April 7, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Richelle says:
Yes, BBB please!
On April 7, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Sam says:
BBB Please!
On April 7, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Jeannie says:
BBB please!
On April 7, 2011 at 1:17 pm
Debbie R says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 1:19 pm
GrammieEarth says:
BBB Please!
I saw the Lemon Chess Pie post earlier today and am determined to try it soon. I might :hungry: even take some of it out to my son and family. Maybe.
🙂 Pam
On April 7, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Melanie says:
bbb please
On April 7, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Ashlee says:
Thanks for the info! I had no idea. BBB Please 🙂
On April 7, 2011 at 1:38 pm
Janice Jewett says:
please enter me for a BBB.
On April 7, 2011 at 1:40 pm
Susan in Wisconsin says:
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On April 7, 2011 at 1:58 pm
GaPeach says:
BBB, please!
On April 7, 2011 at 2:01 pm
Amy Jane says:
Wow, I have learned SO MUCH about canning from this webite in the last year or so. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge 🙂
I’d love to be entered for the BBB, please 🙂
On April 7, 2011 at 2:02 pm
Tracy Byers says:
BBB Please!
On April 7, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Pam C in Canada says:
Interesting :). I like lemons. And I want a BBB! Maybe this year I can do some canning stuff :).
On April 7, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Rebecca Sutherland says:
I love this site thank you I have made the no-kneed bread weekly since you posted it my family loves it! BBB
On April 7, 2011 at 2:40 pm
WolfWalker says:
BBB Please.
On April 7, 2011 at 3:13 pm
Mary Hall says:
:sun: Hi Suzanne, please enter me in the BBB.
Thanks,
Mary :shocked:
On April 7, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Rosemeri says:
Thank you. I have wondered about that. BBB please.
On April 7, 2011 at 3:46 pm
ktlovespie says:
Mmm. I love lemons.
BBB please
On April 7, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Glenie says:
Please, Please BBB.
On April 7, 2011 at 4:35 pm
Amy says:
BBB, Please
On April 7, 2011 at 5:09 pm
Pat says:
I learn so much from this site. Keep up the excellent work!!
BBB please.
On April 7, 2011 at 5:09 pm
Karen says:
More often than not, I use bottled lemon juice in just about everything calling for “fresh” lemon juice! BBB 🙂
On April 7, 2011 at 5:22 pm
Martha in KS says:
Didn’t know that. I always use fresh lemon juice. Guess that’s why I need the BBB.
Here’s what I like to do with lemon juice.
https://kitchenscoop.com/blog/we-love-marthas-lemon-chicken.-you-will-too/
On April 7, 2011 at 5:27 pm
Lee in KY says:
BBB, please.
On April 7, 2011 at 5:40 pm
LisaAJB says:
I always use the jar of lemon juice for my canned tomatoes, but my elderly neighbor tells me that the reason the pH is so low in tomatoes is because we’ve bred it out the them. According to her, back when everyone used heirlooms, they didn’t add any acid to their jars. BBB please!
On April 7, 2011 at 6:04 pm
tami says:
BBB Please
On April 7, 2011 at 6:06 pm
annabel52 says:
I feel lucky. BBB please!!
On April 7, 2011 at 6:19 pm
Kristine says:
BBB please!!! :purpleflower:
On April 7, 2011 at 6:59 pm
oddgirl says:
BBB Pretty please.
On April 7, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Kathleen H in Indiana says:
I would love the BBB! Thanks for the opportunity.
On April 7, 2011 at 7:23 pm
peggy miller says:
I would love to have it.
On April 7, 2011 at 7:37 pm
Linda Goble says:
Thanks for the info Suzanne! Please enter me in the BBB. Please. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :snoopy: :happyfeet:
On April 7, 2011 at 7:59 pm
Barbara W says:
Pick me, Pick me, BBB Please.
On April 7, 2011 at 8:15 pm
Rachel says:
BBB please!
On April 7, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Renee says:
Thanks for sharing. I didn’t realize there was such a difference between fresh vs bottled; I just knew that some recipes were very specific about which you should use. BBB, pls!
On April 7, 2011 at 8:52 pm
Mafong says:
I’m glad to see that I am not the only one who didn’t this! BBB please.
On April 7, 2011 at 9:12 pm
Laura Newton says:
please enter me
On April 7, 2011 at 9:37 pm
Robyn says:
I always learn something new here! Enter me please! BBB!!!
On April 7, 2011 at 10:07 pm
Barbara at AtLast says:
BBB please
On April 7, 2011 at 10:14 pm
Teresa says:
BBB please
On April 7, 2011 at 10:21 pm
BethAnn says:
BBB please!
On April 7, 2011 at 10:27 pm
SuzzyQ says:
Thanks, Billie and of course, Suzanne for the chance to win the BBB.
On April 7, 2011 at 10:46 pm
Jennifer Mossman says:
BBB PLEASE!!
On April 7, 2011 at 10:57 pm
Trina says:
I have been loving this site and have always wanted to try canning but have never been brave enough..haha. Thanks for all the good info
BBB drawing–thank you so much
On April 7, 2011 at 11:48 pm
jim says:
BBB Book please
On April 8, 2011 at 12:05 am
farmershae says:
BBB me please!
On April 8, 2011 at 12:37 am
Sally says:
Thanks Suzann,
I’m one who likes to know “Why”. Now I do! BBB please
On April 8, 2011 at 7:44 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is #27, jenni.
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED TO ENTRY.
On April 8, 2011 at 9:15 am