Lemon Juicers – Ceramika Artystyczna - Polish pottery

Bring both beauty and functionality to your kitchen with our collection of handmade lemon juicers crafted from Polish pottery by the esteemed Ceramika Artystyczna. Each piece is a unique work of art, featuring the iconic cobalt blue Bunzlauer patterns, and is made entirely by hand – from shaping to painting.

Whether you’re squeezing lemons for tea, baking, dressings, or fresh lemonade, these ceramic juicers are as efficient as they are decorative. The deep ridges of the reamer extract juice easily, while the integrated spout and side handle ensure clean and easy pouring. The high-fired stoneware is food-safe, acid-resistant, and dishwasher safe.

More than just a practical kitchen tool, each juicer adds a charming, rustic elegance to your countertop. Perfect as a gift or as a personal indulgence, these lemon presses reflect the heritage of Polish pottery while offering everyday functionality.

Embrace craftsmanship, tradition, and design – with a touch of timeless Polish artistry in your kitchen.

The Lemon – Origin, Varieties, History, Nutrition & Use in Cuisine and Mixology

1. Origin and Background

The lemon (Citrus limon) belongs to the Rutaceae family and is a hybrid between the bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) and the citron (Citrus medica). It originated in northeastern India, northern Myanmar, and southern China. It was introduced to the Mediterranean region via Persia and the Arab world in the 10th century. Today, major producers include Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the USA (especially California).

2. Varieties of Lemon

Popular lemon varieties include:

• Eureka – thin-skinned, juicy, available year-round

• Lisbon – similar to Eureka but more weather-resistant

• Primofiori (Spain) – intensely aromatic, harvested in fall/winter

• Verna (Spain) – larger, fewer seeds, spring/summer season

• Femminello (Italy) – prized for zest and culinary use

• Meyer Lemon – a milder hybrid with a slight orange flavor, sweeter and less acidic

3. History of the Lemon

Lemons were known to the Romans but weren’t widely cultivated. Their spread throughout Europe accelerated through Arab trade routes. By the Middle Ages, lemons were valued for their medicinal properties, particularly as a treatment for scurvy. In the Age of Exploration, they became essential for sailors to prevent vitamin C deficiency during long voyages.

4. Organic vs. Conventional Lemons

Organic lemons:

• Grown without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers

• Peel is safe to consume (ideal for zest)

• Stricter environmental and sustainability standards

• Certified under EU or USDA organic regulations

Conventional lemons:

• May be treated with wax or fungicides (especially on the peel)

• Often labeled: “peel not suitable for consumption”

• Higher yields but potential chemical residue

5. Nutritional Value and Vitamins

Lemons are low in calories (approx. 29 kcal/100g) and rich in essential nutrients:

• Vitamins:

  • Vitamin C: ~50 mg/100g – supports immune health and collagen synthesis

  • B vitamins (B1, B2, B6)

• Minerals:

  • Potassium (~140 mg/100g)

  • Magnesium

  • Calcium

  • Phosphorus

6. Importance of Vitamin Intake

Vitamins are essential micronutrients. Vitamin C, in particular, cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through diet. It plays a vital role in:

• Immune defense

• Tissue repair

• Iron absorption

• Preventing scurvy

Regular intake of vitamin C-rich foods like lemons is crucial for overall health and resilience.

7. Use in Gastronomy

Lemons are extremely versatile:

• Juice: for marinades, salad dressings, sauces, seafood

• Zest: used in baking, desserts, pasta, and cocktails

• Preserved lemons: in Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisine

• Infused oils, vinegars, and butters

• Balance: provides acidity to offset fat, sweetness, or salt

8. Use in Bars and Mixology

Lemon is indispensable in cocktail culture:

• Fresh lemon juice is a key acid component

• Zest and peel add aroma and visual flair

• Lemon balances sweet and bitter ingredients

• Used in syrups, shrubs, and garnishes

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9. 10 Exceptional Lemon Cocktails (with Recipes)

1. Whiskey Sour

Ingredients:

• 6 cl bourbon

• 3 cl fresh lemon juice

• 2 cl simple syrup

• (Optional: 1 egg white)

Instructions:
Dry shake (without ice) if using egg white, then shake again with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.

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2. Tom Collins

Ingredients:

• 5 cl gin

• 3 cl lemon juice

• 2 cl simple syrup

• Soda water

Instructions:
Build in a highball glass over ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon slice.

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3. Lemon Drop Martini

Ingredients:

• 4 cl vodka

• 2 cl lemon juice

• 2 cl triple sec

• 1 cl simple syrup

Instructions:
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Optional: sugar rim and a lemon peel garnish.

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4. Bee’s Knees

Ingredients:

• 5 cl gin

• 2 cl lemon juice

• 2 cl honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)

Instructions:
Shake and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

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5. French 75

Ingredients:

• 3 cl gin

• 1.5 cl lemon juice

• 1 cl simple syrup

• Top with Champagne

Instructions:
Shake first three ingredients, strain into a flute, top with Champagne. Garnish with a lemon curl.

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6. Vodka Collins

Ingredients:

• 5 cl vodka

• 3 cl lemon juice

• 2 cl simple syrup

• Soda water

Instructions:
Build in a tall glass with ice. Top with soda. Garnish with lemon.

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7. Lemon Basil Smash

Ingredients:

• 5 cl gin

• 2 cl lemon juice

• 2 cl simple syrup

• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions:
Muddle basil, shake with other ingredients, and strain into a rocks glass over ice.

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8. Sidecar

Ingredients:

• 5 cl cognac

• 2 cl Cointreau

• 2 cl lemon juice

Instructions:
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Optional: sugar rim.

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9. Lemon Gin Fizz

Ingredients:

• 5 cl gin

• 3 cl lemon juice

• 2 cl simple syrup

• Soda water

Instructions:
Shake the first three, strain over ice in a highball glass, top with soda.

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10. Sicilian Sour

Ingredients:

• 4 cl amaretto

• 2 cl lemon juice

• 2 cl orange juice

• 1 cl simple syrup

Instructions:
Shake all ingredients, serve over ice in a tumbler. Garnish with orange peel.