# Is it considered poor form to squeeze your lemon? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [January 31, 2023, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093 "2023-01-31T07:27:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mortimus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e36b37/32.png) [@Mortimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mortimus)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/1 "2023-01-31T07:27:27Z")
In a restaurant, in your iced tea, using your fingers. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 10:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/2 "2023-01-31T10:38:43Z")
I’ve never thought so or looked oddly at anyone else for doing so. I’m sure you could overdo it into “weird” territory but just squishing the juice into your drink and then perhaps dropping it into the glass seems to be normal. Likewise for squeezing it over your shrimp cocktail. How else are you supposed to get the lemon juice to where it needs to be? ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/3 "2023-01-31T11:20:46Z")
As long as you dont squeeze it until the juice runs down your glass, you should be fine. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/4 "2023-01-31T11:46:37Z")
You’ve never seen Scarface? (Too obscure?) 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/5 "2023-01-31T13:27:18Z")
And don’t squeeze it so hard that you’ll fall right out of bed. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/6 "2023-01-31T13:30:26Z")
No, but eating a french fry with your fingers is an unforgivable gaffe. ---
**Author:** ![WolfpackJeep](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpackjeep/32/2921_2.png) [@WolfpackJeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WolfpackJeep)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/7 "2023-01-31T13:32:39Z")
Can’t say I’ve ever encountered this one. I have seen recent advice that you shouldn’t put your lemon wedge in your drink after squeezing, because you don’t know whether or not the lemons are being washed properly. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/8 "2023-01-31T14:12:26Z")
> [@Mortimus](#): > > In a restaurant, in your iced tea, using your fingers. Wedge or slice? ---
**Author:** ![Frosted\_Glass](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frosted_glass/32/3926_2.png) [@Frosted\_Glass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frosted_Glass)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/9 "2023-01-31T14:55:24Z")
I’ve never heard of this practice being considered poor form but I’ve also never really thought about it much before now. I always try to shield my lemon (or lime) when I squeeze it into my drink so innocent bystanders don’t get juiced or hit with a stray seed. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/10 "2023-01-31T15:22:28Z")
It is [traditionally mandated in the etiquette of finger-bowl use (1886):](https://etiquipedia.blogspot.com/2021/11/gilded-age-etiquette-for-family-dining.html) > [@](#): > > Finger bowls are not a general institution, and they seem to be quite as needful as the napkin, for the fingers are also liable to become a little soiled in eating. […] A leaf or two of sweet verbena, an orange flower, or a small slice of lemon, is usually put into each bowl, to rub upon the fingers. The slice of lemon is most commonly used. The finger tips are slightly dipped into the bowl, the lemon juice is squeezed upon them, and then they are dried softly upon the napkin. At dinner parties and luncheons, they are indispensable. [About a century later, etiquette still defends the consumer’s right to squeeze the lemon slice at table](https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1980/05/11/guiding-the-hand-that-feeds-you/cb7480a9-e25c-4945-b1e5-ae7fe2b2bfb9/) (and Frosted\_Glass will be pleased to know that they are doing it right): > [@](#): > > On squeezing lemons: Place your free hand over the lemon slice so you don’t get someone you like in the eye. Or if you are a thoughtful host wrap individual lemon slices with cheese cloth. There you go OP, your problem is that your host and/or dining establishment is not thoughtfully wrapping your lemon with cheesecloth. More recently, [Miss Manners concurs that you may correctly squeeze lemon onto your food at table.](https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/entertainment/2020/09/14/preparing-for-an-unlikely-etiquette-scenario/45729027/) And [eat the citrus garnish on your drink.](https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1988/11/13/the-homey-life-in-the-workplace/be0cb5c3-ad15-446a-902c-d1ca8869061c/) > [@](#): > > Short of munching on the centerpiece carnations or the ice sculpture, one may safely consume anything edible put in front of one, provided one does it gracefully. > > If an orange slice is served on a duck, for example, one can cut the fruit free and eat it easily. The orange slice on the side of a drink may be daintily eaten by hand. The complicating factor that your dining partner/critic may be thinking of is the fact that it is not considered correct, from an etiquette standpoint, to guddle around in your glass with your fingers to retrieve sodden flotsam. A citrus slice actually floating or submerged in liquid should be left there to contribute its flavor undisturbed, or removed with an implement and put to one side if you really don’t want it there. It should not be fished out dripping like a discarded bathing suit for squeezing and/or eating purposes. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Krupe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ebca7d/32.png) [@Leo\_Krupe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Krupe)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/11 "2023-01-31T15:56:13Z")
I don’t see an issue with squeezing the lemon, but I have other concerns with it: > **[That Lemon Wedge's Dirty Little Secret](https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a26782/lemon-wedge-bacteria/)** > > Think twice before ordering another drink with one added. > [@](#): > > In fact, [a 2007 study found](http://ghk.h-cdn.co/assets/cm/15/11/54ffae3e9e80e_-_JEH_Dec_07_with_Copyright.pdf) that nearly 70% of restaurant lemon wedges are covered in up to 25 different types of germs. Among them: fecal matter, E. Coli, and contamination from raw meat. And it wasn’t just the lemons’ rinds — the pulps on 29% of the dirty lemons were crawling in bacteria, too. Bon appetit! ---
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/12 "2023-01-31T16:14:14Z")
I squeeze my lemon like a starving python and then spike it into my ice water so hard I routinely get Taunting penalties. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/13 "2023-01-31T16:28:40Z")
> [@WolfpackJeep](#): > > I have seen recent advice that you shouldn’t put your lemon wedge in your drink after squeezing, because you don’t know whether or not the lemons are being washed properly. The tequila will kill any germs. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/14 "2023-01-31T16:31:45Z")
> [@Frosted\_Glass](#): > > I always try to shield my lemon (or lime) when I squeeze it into my drink so innocent bystanders don’t get juiced or hit with a stray seed. This is what I do when squeezing a lime wedge (preferred) or lemon wedge on my bowl of pho. I do not add lemon to any soft drinks, however. ---
**Author:** ![Frosted\_Glass](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frosted_glass/32/3926_2.png) [@Frosted\_Glass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frosted_Glass)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/15 "2023-01-31T16:32:42Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > [About a century later, etiquette still defends the consumer’s right to squeeze the lemon slice at table](https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1980/05/11/guiding-the-hand-that-feeds-you/cb7480a9-e25c-4945-b1e5-ae7fe2b2bfb9/) (and Frosted\_Glass will be pleased to know that they are doing it right): > > > [@](#): > > > > On squeezing lemons: Place your free hand over the lemon slice so you don’t get someone you like in the eye. Or if you are a thoughtful host wrap individual lemon slices with cheese cloth. > > There you go OP, your problem is that your host and/or dining establishment is not thoughtfully wrapping your lemon with cheesecloth. > > More recently, [Miss Manners concurs that you may correctly squeeze lemon onto your food at table.](https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/entertainment/2020/09/14/preparing-for-an-unlikely-etiquette-scenario/45729027/) And [eat the citrus garnish on your drink.](https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1988/11/13/the-homey-life-in-the-workplace/be0cb5c3-ad15-446a-902c-d1ca8869061c/) My mom would be thrilled to know that my behavior is aligned with Miss Manners 😆 ---
**Author:** ![alovem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@alovem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alovem)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/16 "2023-01-31T18:33:50Z")
I saw a similar piece of news more recently than that, I think. Lemons are abundant and durable, and, while I haven’t seen the inside of a processing plant or warehouse or anything, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were stockpiled, shipped, processed, etc. in unsanitary conditions. ---
**Author:** ![suranyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/17 "2023-01-31T19:04:15Z")
In Japan some restaurants have a small utensil to squeeze lemon into tea. Like this: > **[Amazon.com: AG Lemon Squeezer, 18-8 Stainless Steel, Made in Japan: Home &...](https://www.amazon.com/Lemon-Lime-Squeezer-Bird-style/dp/B001UJNO8K)** > > Online Shopping for Kitchen Utensils & Gadgets from a great selection at everyday low prices. Free 2-day Shipping with Amazon Prime. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/18 "2023-01-31T19:19:26Z")
> [@Good Housekeeping - 7 Feb 15](#): > > In fact, [a 2007 study found](http://ghk.h-cdn.co/assets/cm/15/11/54ffae3e9e80e_-_JEH_Dec_07_with_Copyright.pdf) that nearly 70% of restaurant lemon wedges are covered in up to 25 different types of germs. Among them: fecal matter, E. Coli, and contamination from raw meat. And it wasn’t just the lemons’ rinds — the pulps on 29% of the dirty lemons were crawling in bacteria, too. I always get a chuckle out of these. Because if you were to abstain from eating anything that contained one or more molecules of “fecal matter,” you would starve to death. Everything you consume contains at least one atom or molecule of just about anything you can think of. And modern instruments can detect it. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/19 "2023-01-31T19:24:46Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > No, but eating a french fry with your fingers is an unforgivable gaffe. I use a knife and fork, and switch hands between cutting and eating. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Krupe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ebca7d/32.png) [@Leo\_Krupe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Krupe)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2023, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093/20 "2023-01-31T20:07:25Z")
Very true. You can’t eliminate eating contaminates, but that’s not the point. Reduce the contamination to a safe level. There’s a difference between eating a speck of feces and a spoonful. As for the lemons, I usually take it on faith that they’re clean enough, although it’s in the back of my mind that they’re not. It’s a matter of how much risk you’re willing to assume. After all, the risk of a contaminated lemon in a restaurant isn’t quite the same level as crossing a busy interstate. Of course, if you’re unwilling to risk the lemon, just skip it. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-poor-form-to-squeeze-your-lemon/979093.md?page=2)