Derb 37

Preserved lemons

moroccan

Salt and lemons and time. The jar sits on the counter for three months. The lemons soften, the rind goes translucent, the salt pulls out the liquid.

After three months — salty, sour, floral, nothing like fresh lemon. A quarter of one transforms a tagine. The pulp gets discarded; it's the rind.

There's always a jar going. One finishes, the next starts.

Preserved lemons

6 lemons, unwaxedplenty coarse saltlemon juice to top up

Cut lemons almost into quarters, still attached at the base. Pack salt in. Push into a sterilised jar, pressing until the juice comes out. Top with lemon juice. Seal. Three months.