Lemon - How To Use
Profile
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 region. For thousands of years, many mistook lemons for limes and vice versa in their writings.
Health
From a health aspect, 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 assistance 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 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. On 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 as to 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 lemon in Jars of coarse Kosher salt to preserve them, using them as essential ingredients for tagines and salads.
Chief flavour profile
Citral and Limonene: (sitrus and Herbal) our tongue detects 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.