Lemon - How To Use
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When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. This metaphor is a positive proverbial for being able to accomplish anything with perseverance. Lemons are more than positive metaphors. They can polish chrome and copper and keep insects away. Lemons originate from the Indian, Myanmar and Chinese regions. For thousands of years, many mistook lemons for limes and vice versa in their writings.
What flavours go with lemon peel?
- Almond
- Cardamom
- Cayenne
- Chocolate
- Cinnamon
- Coriander
- Ginger
- Mint
- Nutmeg
- Rosemary
- Saffron
Our 14th-century lemon peel-infused Sofrito is sublime in a rich chicken pie.
Health Benefits - Lemon
Lemon peels are low in cholesterol and have immune-boosting properties that act as a digestive aid. They are also said to have cancer-fighting properties and assist in weight loss. Lemons are high in vitamin C and calcium, but lemon peel is even higher. Up to 5-10 times higher. Just don't eat the waxed versions. They are also considered good for oral health.
Interesting Facts
- The Romans brought lemons to Europe in the 2nd Century, and just over 1000 years later, Christopher Columbus brought lemons to the Americas in 1493.
- Lemon orchards last about 50 years without husbandry. The leaves, the juice, the zest and the peel can be eaten. Eating the whole of a raw lemon contains more than enough of your daily vitamin C, circa 140%. Lemon trees bloom all year round and produce a harvest 6 to 10 times per year. According to the authority of the New South Wales University, lemon peel is said to be beneficial for Parkinson's.
- Lemons are the only known fruit in the world that are anionic. Lemons produce a negative ion charge (anionic). One valid reason why we should consume more lemons.
- According to Greek folklore, the lemon was a symbol of love and richness. The Greeks would put lemon leaves under their pillows to give them sweet dreams.
- Moroccans have long stored lemons in Jars of coarse Kosher salt to preserve them, using them as essential ingredients for tagines and salads.
Chief flavour profile
Citral and Limonene: (Citrus and Herbal) Why does our tongue detect the sour taste of lemon? Most of the fragrance is embodied in the lemon peel. The organic compounds (terpenes) are complex in lemons. The limonene compound of lemon peel compliments cardamom, amchoor, garlic, saffron and caraway, amongst various others.
Blends to try with Lemon
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Sofrito $12.00
Introducing Sofrito - Catalan in origin, Sofrito is a 14th Century blend of balanced and versatile Mediterranean ingredients. All-natural, salt-free and vegan. This spice mix has highlights of lemon peel, thyme and tomato powder, with citrusy and herbal notes.
Endless culinary adventures - Sofrito is the perfect all-purpose seasoning for adding depth to chicken pie, pan-fried salmon, meatballs, tomato/ragu sauces or as a natural gravy/stock. Our bread baking customers tell us that adding a teaspoon to your dough creates a delicious new flavour profile!
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.