Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is the liquid extracted from lemons, a citrus fruit. It is typically obtained by pressing or squeezing the fruit, separating the juice from the pulp and seeds. It can be sold fresh, concentrated, or dried into a powder.

Manufacturers add lemon juice primarily for its tart flavor, but also for its acidity, which acts as a natural preservative and acidity regulator. It helps prevent browning in some foods and can enhance other flavors. It is commonly found in beverages, dressings, baked goods, and products like sorbet, hummus, and various sauces.

Lemon juice is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a common food ingredient. It is a natural source of vitamin C and antioxidants. At typical intake levels, it is considered a healthy part of the diet. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have not set specific acceptable daily intake limits for lemon juice as it is considered a food ingredient rather than a discrete food additive.