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Geography
The lemon originated from South-East Asia, possibly India or
Malaysia. Now, they are grown in tropical and temperate locations
around the world, with California being the USA's major producer.
Season
Lemons are available throughout the year.
How to Select
Lemons are yellow, oval citrus fruits. They are juicy and acidic.
They can be as small as an egg, and as large as a grapefruit. They
can have thin or thick skins. Choose brightly colored fruit, with a
smooth skin and no sign of greenness. They should be firm, plump and heavy for
its size.
Storage
Seal in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator up to 3 weeks.
Nutritional Qualities
Lemons are an excellent source of Vitamin C, but loses much of this
shortly after being squeezed. Sailors used to travel with lemons to
help prevent scurvy.
Trivia
In the past, lemons were used as a remedy for epilepsy, it was also
used as toothpaste, invisible ink and as a bleaching agent.
They were used to help make lips red, and to prevent wrinkles.
In Pagan religions, lemons symbolize longevity, purification, love
and friendship.
The essential oil of lemons are know to have anti-infectious,
antibacterial, antiseptic and antiviral properties. Hence, this is
the reason a lot of cleaning products are lemon-scented.
The scent of lemons are noted to promote clarity of thought and is
known to be stimulating.
Lemons are also warming. So, despite lemonade being a refreshing
drink in the summertime, lemons, as well as other citrus fruits can
warm your body.
Wine Pairings
Chardonnay, Fume Blanc.
Spices
Garlic, thyme
Equivalencies
1 lb. = 4 - 6 medium lemons = 1 c. juice
1 medium lemon = 3 tbsp. juice / 2 - 3 tsp. zest
Substitution
1 tsp. lemon juice = 1/2 tsp. vinegar
Preparation
When juicing a lemon, roll the room-temperature fruit on the counter
while pressing firmly. This will help break the membranes inside the
lemon and release the juices. Then, cut in half. Using a wooden
reamer or a fork, insert in the lemon and twist.
Additional Information
The juice of lemons can be frozen. Try freezing the juice in ice cube
trays.
Frozen "spent shells" can be used to help keep certain produce (such
as apples, bananas and potatoes) from turning brown.
Whole lemons can be frozen to be used for juice at a later date.
Use a toothbrush to clean the grater when needing zest in a recipe.
The pectin in lemons helps in jam making, jelly making, marmalade
making or when wanting a more gelled cranberry sauce. Start off by
adding 1 teaspoon of juice.
The acid content in lemons, makes them perfect for tenderizing
poultry. Other products with high acid contents, such as vinegar and
wine, are better for red meat, but can also be used for poultry.
In South America, ceviche is a fish dish that is marinated in lemon
juice, lime juice and/or vinegar. The acid "cooks" the fish.
Recipes
Ceviche
by Peggy Trowbridge
1 pound cod, diced in 1/2-inch cubes
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Mix the above ingredients well. Allow to marinate in refrigerator for
two hours.
Drain juice completely. Combine and add to drained fish:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Mix well and add:
1 medium tomato finely chopped
1/2 medium onion finely chopped
1 teaspoon vinegar
4 ounces cooked tiny salad shrimp
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely minced
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
Stir and refrigerate eight hours or overnight. Serve cold on a
lettuce leaf with crispy tortilla chips.
Yields: 8 servings
Lemon Curd
Public domain recipe
5 whole eggs
5 egg yolks
2 cups sugar
1 cup fresh lemon juice
the zest of 2 lemons
8 tablespoons sweet butter
Combine the eggs, egg yolks and sugar in a mixing bowl and beat until
smooth. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest and mix. Place the bowl
over a pot of boiling water or in the top of a double boiler and stir
vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture thickens. This
mixture will not curdle, so don't worry about overcooking it a
little. Remove the bowl from the boiling water and stir in the butter
until melted.
Refrigerated, this will keep for up to 3 months.
Traditionally served in Britain with crumpets, scones, in tarts and
jelly rolls.
Yields: 10 servings
Raspberry Lemonade
By: Jennifer A. Wickes
copyright 1997
1 1/2 cups lemon juice
1 pint raspberries
3/4 cup sugar
7 cups water
zest of 1 lemon
Blend raspberries in a blender. Juice the lemons. Mix all ingredients
in a pitcher. Chill.
Yields: 10 servings
By Jennifer A. Wickes. Copyright 2004
This article was originally published at Suite101.com:
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/cooking_with_the_seasons/105783
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About the Author: Jennifer A. Wickes is the Food and Drink Dean at
Suite University, the Food and Drink Community Manager at Suite101, as well as a
freelance food writer and cookbook reviewer. She has written 5 eBooks, and has
had several articles in printed publications, such as Cooking Pleasures
magazine, Cook's Country, The Gooseberry Patch, Light and Tasty magazine, Ernest
and Julio Gallo's Turning Leaf Wine pamphlet, as well as in the future book
"Summer: A Spiritual Journey" by Gary Schmidt.
http://www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/CulinaryJen
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