Lemon peels can carry pesticide residue or bacteria that transfer into your drink.
Fix: Scrub lemons under running water, especially if you plan to use the peel.
Which brings us to something most people ignore.
Mistake 6: Throwing Away the Zest Without Thinking
The peel contains beneficial plant compounds and aromatic oils.
Fix: If using organic lemons, add a small amount of grated zest for flavor and additional compounds.
But storage matters too.
Mistake 7: Storing Lemons Incorrectly
Lemons left on the counter dry out and lose juice.
Fix: Store lemons in the refrigerator to preserve freshness and nutrient content.
And once cut, things get worse.
Mistake 8: Letting Cut Lemons Sit Exposed
Oxidation reduces nutrient content quickly.
Fix: Store cut lemons in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Even preparation technique matters.
Mistake 9: Not Getting Enough Juice
Many people barely extract half the juice available.
Fix: Roll the lemon firmly before cutting, or warm it briefly to release more juice.
But acid balance still matters.
Mistake 10: Overdoing It Despite Acid Reflux