Lemon curd

Lemon Curd

A jar of homemade lemon curd
Alternative names	Lemon cheese
Course	Dessert
Place of origin	England
Serving temperature	Cold
Main ingredients	Lemon juice, eggs, sugar, butter
Variations	Lime curd, orange curd, raspberry curd
Cookbook: Lemon Curd   Media: Lemon Curd

Lemon curd is a dessert spread and topping usually made with citrus fruit, such as lemons, limes, and oranges. It is a popular condiment in England and has spread to other parts of the world. Lemon curd is distinguished by its thick consistency and intense lemon flavor, which comes from the zest and juice of lemons. It is traditionally made from lemon juice, eggs, sugar, and butter, cooked together until thick and then cooled, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture.

History

The origin of lemon curd can be traced back to England in the late 19th or early 20th century. Initially, it was served with bread or scones at afternoon tea as an alternative to jam. It was also used as a filling for cakes, pastries, and tarts. Over time, lemon curd has evolved and found its way into various desserts and recipes.

Preparation

The preparation of lemon curd involves gently cooking a mixture of lemon juice, egg yolks (and sometimes whole eggs), sugar, and butter. The mixture is stirred continuously over low heat until it thickens. The acidity of the lemon juice coagulates the egg proteins, thickening the mixture without the need for additional thickening agents. Once the lemon curd has thickened, it is removed from the heat, and sometimes finely grated lemon zest is added for extra flavor. The curd is then cooled and can be used immediately or stored.

Uses

Lemon curd can be used in a variety of ways. It is commonly spread on scones, toast, and bread. It also serves as a filling for desserts such as lemon tarts, cakes, and cupcakes. Additionally, lemon curd can be used as a topping for ice cream or mixed into yogurt and cream for a tangy dessert.

Variations

While lemon curd is the most popular, there are variations using other citrus fruits such as lime, orange, and grapefruit. Each variation maintains the basic method of preparation but substitutes the primary citrus ingredient to achieve a different flavor profile.

See also

• Lemon meringue pie
• Custard
• Fruit preserves