Lemon is a yellow colored fruit most commonly used for its juice. Usually found in an oval shape, lemons are tarty and acidic. It has 5-6% of citric acid content in it. The lemon is used for its juice, rind and zest in sweet or savoury dishes and also in drinks. A lovely ingredient to bring some freshness to a dull dish. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Besides its culinary use lemons also make for an excellent household cleanser and deodorizer.
Types
There are two types of sour lemons - Eureka and Lisbon. The Eureka variety comes with a texturized skin with a few seeds, while the Lisbon has a smoother texture and is usually seedless. Apart from the sour lemons, there are sweet lemons that are sweet flavoured.
Usage
Lemons are commonly used to add a tarty flavour to the foods. Lemon juice extracted from the fruit is added while making lemonades and soft drinks. It is also popularly used in marinades for fish, neutralizing the amines in fish. The juice is also added as a short-term preservative for certain foods.
The leaves of the lemon tree are added into making tea and while cooking meat and seafood.
The oil extracted from lemon peel is used as a wood cleaner and polishing agent.
Nutritional Value
1. Lemon contains citric acid which great to treat acne. It is packed with vitamin C which is necessary for a glowing skin.
2. It helps cure dizziness and anxiety and has a calming effect.
3. It treats insomnia, boosts immunity and is also known for its anti-bacterial properties.
4. Lemon is a common ingredient used in the Ayurvedic medicines.
Did You Know?
There is a lemon festival which takes place in Mentone, France, in the spring.
At the time of the European Renaissance, lemon juice was used by females as a way to redden their lips.