Fresh Lemon

Lemons are small to medium-sized staple fruits that are ovoid to oblong in shape with pointed, curved ends. The peel is often light to bright yellow and contains many tiny, aromatic oil glands that give a rough and shiny, fine-pored surface. Beneath the skin lies a semi-thin, white pith of spongy, cottony consistency that encloses 8 to 11 segments of soft, tender flesh. The pale yellow flesh consists of transparent sacs containing juice and pulp. Some lemon varieties contain some seeds, others are seedless. The texture and flavour of lemons vary depending on the variety, but the fruit is known for its rich, bright and sour characteristics with floral, tart and sour overtones.

STORAGE

Whole, unwashed lemons will keep for a few days at room temperature and 1 to 2 weeks if stored in a plastic bag in the drawer of the refrigerator. Freshly squeezed juice will also keep for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Frozen juice will keep for up to 3 months.

FUN FACTS & TIPS

Lemons are adaptable fruits that can be used in both fresh and cooked, sweet and savoury applications. The fruit can be sliced and used as an edible garnish for roasted meats, tacos or added to drinks, and the slices can be squeezed to add an accent. Lemons can also be juiced to break through heavy flavours in salad dressings, dips, marinades and sauces, or used to tone down soups, whipped cream and thick, cheesy pasta dishes. In addition to savoury dishes, lemons are also used to flavour baked goods such as tarts, cakes, muffins and pies, or the juice is incorporated into puddings, frostings, sorbet, bars, jams and curds. In addition, the peel can be used for pastries, salads, cereal bowls or meat, or it can be sliced and candied as a dessert. Lemon peel and juice are often used to flavour cocktails, lemonades, fizzy drinks and other beverages. In African and Middle Eastern cultures, lemons go well with spices such as garlic, onions and cheeses such as Parmesan, mozzarella and even meats such as chicken, turkey and fish.

NUTRITION & HEALTH BENEFITS

• Can help with weight loss
• Reduces the risk of heart disease and anaemia
• May improve heart health
• May reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
• Reduces risk of stroke
• Increases collagen production
• Increases iron absorption

An excellent source of fibre, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, micrograms, folate, choline, vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, flavonoids, limonins.


Common Names: Citrus limon [L.] Burm, German Zitrone, French citron, Finnish sitruuna, Latvian Citrons, Czech,  柠檬 Níngméng