Microwaving Citrus Before You Squeeze It Can Help You Extract More Juice

A squeeze of citrus juice can give your meals a bit of tang that boosts flavor and increases the nutrition density of a dish. “Most people know citrus is an excellent source of vitamin C, but it also provides other benefits,” says Kelly Jones, RD. “You’ll find over 60 flavonoids, carotenoids, and other antioxidant phytochemicals. It also provides B-vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.” And this simple citrus microwave juice hack will make it really easy to extract all the liquid from your fruit of choice without feeling like you’re getting an arm workout.

There are all kinds of tips and tricks for juicing citrus by hand, like using a fork, press, or reamer. But if you want to really get a good squeeze, you should try microwaving your lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits first. “Microwaving softens the fibrous membranes in the citrus, making it easier to release the liquid from them,” says Jones. You only need to zap it for 10 to 15 seconds, FYI.

No microwave? No problem. “Rolling citrus on a hard surface with your hand can accomplish this, too,” says Jones.

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