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What is Lemon Curd?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Lemon curd is a rich, tart spread made with lemons. Other citrus fruits such as limes, oranges, and tangerines can be used to create curds as well, although lemon is an enduring favorite. This spread is particularly associated with Great Britain, where it has traditionally accompanied tea since the 18th century. It can be spread on scones, toast, and other foods, and it may also be used as a filling for desserts such as cookies, tarts, and pies.

When cooks make lemon curd, they gently cook lemon juice with eggs and sugar to create a very rich custard. The custard can be made even more tart and flavorful with the addition of lemon zest, and it can also be cut for a more soft, creamy flavor with ingredients such as butter and whipped cream. When made well, it tastes like a lemon concentrate, with an intense burst of citrus flavor that many consumers greatly enjoy.

Lemon curd is usually made with lemons, eggs and sugar, though some cooks add lemon zest, butter or whipped cream.
Lemon curd is usually made with lemons, eggs and sugar, though some cooks add lemon zest, butter or whipped cream.

Fresh lemon curd tends to keep for only a few days, although some cooks have recipes for lemon preserves which can last for several months. Commercially produced products are made more shelf-stable with the addition of stabilizers that will prevent it from going off, although it can have a flat or metallic flavor as a result. Making fresh curd is actually quite simple, and well worth it for people planning a traditional tea, or those who want an intense lemon concentrate for desserts. Fresh curd has a clear flavor that is quite distinctive.

Lemon juice is cooked with eggs and sugar to make lemon curd.
Lemon juice is cooked with eggs and sugar to make lemon curd.

To make a batch, a cook will need a double boiler. Cooking the lemon juice and eggs over boiling water will prevent the eggs from clumping, which can result in unsightly chunks and specks. Those who don't have a double boiler can improvise with a heat-safe bowl suspended in a pot of simmering water.

Cooks can start by whisking three eggs together in the double boiler with 0.33 cup (78.8 ml) of lemon juice and sugar to taste. Around 0.5 cup (100 g) of sugar is usually quite suitable, although some people prefer a sweeter product with up to 0.75 of a cup (150 g). The cook should whisk this combination continually until the mixture becomes very thick, and remove it from the heat immediately. She can then stir in 1 tablespoon (6 g) of lemon zest, and add 4 tablespoons (56.8 g) of butter if she wants it to be more creamy and soft. The curd should be used immediately or chilled and used within a week or so.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon308951

Lemon curd is like lemon custard, guys.

anon153617

I just finished making this recipe and it turned out amazing! I have never had, or made, lemon curd so I was nervous. It was surprisingly easy! Thanks so much for the help!

anon133465

I made a fresh lemon curd for mini-tarts, and was surprised by the bits of zest in it. I guess I expected the zest to disintegrate or something, so the curd would be smooth. Are chunks of zest normal in curd?

anon49689

Please tell me what lemon curd is and where do I find it in the store.

Susylee

I wish to make lemon curd and you speak of using stabilizers for shelf life. I have so many lemons I wish to use the stabilizers so they keep longer. Can you please let me know what I can use and how to use it in the recipe please?

anon38006

Answered my question on what lemon curd was, and will try the recipe you gave, thanks

justpam

I love this site! Thanks!!

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    • Lemon curd is usually made with lemons, eggs and sugar, though some cooks add lemon zest, butter or whipped cream.
      By: uckyo
      Lemon curd is usually made with lemons, eggs and sugar, though some cooks add lemon zest, butter or whipped cream.
    • Lemon juice is cooked with eggs and sugar to make lemon curd.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Lemon juice is cooked with eggs and sugar to make lemon curd.
    • Oranges and tangerines may be used to create lemon curds.
      By: denira
      Oranges and tangerines may be used to create lemon curds.
    • A whisk may be helpful in making lemon curd.
      By: Seite23
      A whisk may be helpful in making lemon curd.
    • Tart lime juice can be added to lemon curd while cooking for additional citrus flavoring.
      By: Mara Zemgaliete
      Tart lime juice can be added to lemon curd while cooking for additional citrus flavoring.