Lemon curd is a creamy, tangy spread that is perfect for anyone who loves lemon. At 100 calories per tablespoon, it can add a delicious burst of flavor to any dish. Whether you're baking a pie, making a dessert sauce, or simply spreading it on toast, lemon curd is the perfect ingredient to add a little zest to your life.

Made with lemons, sugar, eggs, and butter, lemon curd is a versatile and delicious condiment that has been enjoyed for generations. And while it may be high in calories, it's also packed with vitamin C and other important nutrients that make it a healthy addition to any diet.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about lemon curd, including how to prepare it, tasty uses for it, and much more.

Introduction to Lemon Curd

Lemon curd is a creamy, tart spread that is typically made with fresh lemons, sugar, eggs, and butter. It has a bright, tangy flavor and a rich, velvety texture that makes it a versatile and delicious ingredient in many desserts, sauces, and baked goods. The origins of lemon curd are a bit murky, but it's believed to have originated in England in the late 19th century as a way to preserve lemons. Today, it's enjoyed all over the world and is a staple ingredient in many classic recipes.

Calorie Count of Lemon Curd

While lemon curd is certainly a delicious treat, it's also high in calories. A single tablespoon of lemon curd contains around 100 calories, most of which come from sugar and butter. While it's certainly not the healthiest condiment out there, it's worth noting that lemon curd does offer some nutritional benefits. It's packed with vitamin C and other important nutrients that can help to support your overall health and well-being.

The Taste of Lemon Curd

Lemon curd has a bright, tangy flavor that is both sweet and tart. It's similar in taste to lemon meringue pie or lemon bars, but with a richer, more concentrated flavor. The texture of lemon curd is also quite unique. It's thick and creamy, with a smooth and velvety mouthfeel that makes it a delicious addition to many different dishes.

Preparing Lemon Curd

Making lemon curd at home is surprisingly easy. All you need are lemons, sugar, eggs, and butter, along with a little bit of time and patience. Here's a quick overview of how to prepare your own lemon curd:

1. Zest your lemons and juice them. You should have around 1/2 cup of juice.
2. In a saucepan, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, eggs, and butter.
3. Cook the mixture over low heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
5. Allow the curd to cool and then store in the fridge until ready to use.

Uses for Lemon Curd

Lemon curd is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different ways. Some of our favorite uses for lemon curd include:

• Spreading on toast or scones
• Using as a filling for cakes or cupcakes
• Mixing with whipped cream for a quick and easy dessert topping
• Drizzling over ice cream or fruit
• Using as a sauce for pancakes or waffles

Accompaniments for Lemon Curd

Lemon curd pairs beautifully with many different foods and flavors. Some of our favorite accompaniments for lemon curd include:

• Scones or biscuits
• Shortbread cookies
• Toasted pound cake
• Yogurt or granola
• Warm croissants

Homemade vs Store-Bought Lemon Curd

While you can easily find lemon curd at most grocery stores, there's something special about making your own from scratch. Homemade lemon curd tends to be fresher and more flavorful than store-bought versions, and you can control the quality of the ingredients you use. That being said, there's absolutely nothing wrong with buying store-bought lemon curd if you're short on time or don't feel like making your own. Just be sure to read the labels carefully and choose a brand that doesn't contain too many artificial ingredients or preservatives.

Storing Lemon Curd

Lemon curd can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to six months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge before using it. When storing lemon curd, be sure to choose a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent air from getting in and spoiling the curd. You can also cover the surface of the curd with plastic wrap to create a barrier between the curd and the air.

Substitutes for Lemon Curd

If you don't have any lemon curd on hand or simply don't care for the taste, there are plenty of substitutes you can use in your recipes. Some of the best substitutes for lemon curd include:

• Lime curd
• Orange curd
• Passion fruit curd
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Whipped cream or whipped cream cheese

Lemon Curd Recipes

Ready to start cooking with lemon curd? Here are a few delicious recipes to get you started:

• Lemon curd tart with fresh berries
• Lemon curd cheesecake bars
• Lemon curd stuffed French toast
• Lemon curd thumbprint cookies
• Lemon curd and blueberry breakfast cake