Preserved Lemons and Johnson's Flash - is there a taste difference?

[Willow2]

I would just like to issue a public health warning. Do not add preserved lemons to a spicy casserole that you have slaved to prepare. Far from giving it a taste of Morocco, it will add a whopping great big taste of Flash or any other kitchen cleaner that has a vaguely lemony smell. Possibly the most disgusting meal I have ever made - which was a shame as it tasted marvellous until they went in.

Whaaaat? Are you kidding? Preserved lemons are great - did you preserve them yourself, or buy them that way?

Nooooo!! They are gorgeous, lovely and sour (in a good way). Maybe the quality of the lemons is at fault? Too much pith possibly?

pmsl!

Bought them - some posh brand from Waitrose. What did I do wrong? I just chopped one up and whacked it in and it was completely inedible.

When did you put it in the casserole Willow? It takes a bit of time for them to absorb the flavours and soften a bit.

Does two hours constitute enough time?

They are the Devil's work.

Hmm. I've never used bought ones. It's really easy to preserve them yourself, and they taste really nice. You just cut them and get loads of salt and pour over the salt and leave them for about 3 or 4 weeks and then they're ready. But you have to rinse them out thoroughly, and throw away the pulp and just use the remaining peel. How do the Waitrose ones come?

Made by Belazu - avoid, although your breath will never be as fresh again.

Whole lemons - should I have ditched the insides?

Caligula that sounds fab. How long can you keep them packed in salt?

I think you can keep them for about a couple of months, depending on the weather. You can do it with limes too.

I would have thought you should throw the middle bit out, willow. PMSL at the fresh breath!