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Lemon Juice, Pulp and Zest not only used for Fish Dishes

By Viola Woolcott

Lemons are hybrids in cultivated wild plants. The name in general is common for the reproductive tissue that surrounds the seeds of the angiosperm lemon tree.

Above all lemons are used for their juice, but the pulp and zest (rind) are also used in cooking as well as baking. The juice is 5% acid and that is what gives lemons a ‘tart taste’. As the pH in lemons is 2-3, it makes lemons a ready available acid, which is also inexpensive for the use in educational science experiments.

Lemons are often served as lemonade, decoration for drinks like ice tea and soft drinks as well as regularly used to add flavour to water. Lemons contain roughly 3-4 tablespoons of juice.

I find that it increases the quantity of juice that can be extracted by leaving lemons at room temperature before squeezing them. But storing them for longer periods of time at room temperature makes them more prone to go mouldy.

By squeezing lemon, the acidic juice onto fish dishes, you will discover that it neutralises the taste of amines in fish by converting them to nonvolatile ammonium salts. Along with other ingredients, the juice is widely used when marinating meat, as the acid in the juice tenderises the meat, althought the juice has NO antibiotic effects.

If you belong to the many people that enjoy eating lemons as a fruit, you should drink water afterwards to rinse the citric acid and the sugar from your teeth, as otherwise it may promote tooth decay as well as many other dental issues.

Lemons (they must be Organic!) can also be used on there own or maybe with oranges to produce marmelade or to preserve sliced apples for a short period of time. It keeps the apples crisp and white for approximately a day and prevents them from the unappetising browinig effect.

It is believed that cirtus fruits contain amounts of different chemicals, which have certain health benefits. Terpene also called D-limonene provides lemons their characteristic smell as well as taste. They also contain a specific amount of citric acid, that’s why they have a low pH as as well as a sour taste.

We all know that citrus fruit contain Ascorbic Acid, which is Vitamin C. Vitamin C is vital for our health. 100 milliliters, which is roughly 50 milligrams of juice, which provides us with Vitamin C, and about 55% of the daily recommended intake.

Lemons contain unique flavonoid compounds which are known to have antioxidant as well as anti-cancer properties which seem to be able to support the prevention of cell growth in cancers. In alternative medicine lemons have been said to be a tonic for the digestive system, the immune system as well as for the skin because of the Vitamin C content.

Ayurvedic medicine claims that a cup of hot water with lemon juice tones and purifies the liver.

Oils and essences can be extracted by processing lemons. It has been found that the effect of lemon as essential oil in vapour form in aromatherapy treatments reduces stress in animals.

For medicinal uses, lemons are known to have diuretic properties. They are antiscorbutic, astringent and febrifuge. The juice can be given to gingivitis sufferers, stomatitis as well as inflammation of the tongue. To relieve colic’s as well as fever, an infusion of the bark or the peel of the fruit can be given. As a laxative, hot water with added lemon has been recommended on a daily basis. Lemon juice has also been proven as a preventative for common colds, but be aware of corrosion of tooth enamel. Long-term usage could reduce the teeth to the level of the gums if you don’t watch it. Honey with added lemon juice, salt an ginger has been used for centuries to ward of colds. Scurvy was prevented in the 18th century on British sailing boats and the sailors were well known as “limeys”.

There are many other uses exept from cooking and baking such as:

~ Lemon juice has been known as a stain remover

~ Dipped in salt can be used to clean copper-bottomed cooking pots

~ The juice has been used for bleaching freckles and is incorporated into some facial cleansing creams

~ Lemon peel oil is used in furniture polishes, detergents, soaps and shampoos. It plays an important role in perfume blendings, especially in colognes.

~ Dehydrated lemon peel is marketed as cattle feed

~ Apply Lemonade to potted plants as it has been found to keep their flowers fresh longer than normal. It cannot be used on chrysanthemums as their leaves turn brown.

My own personal recommendation would be to add fresh lemon juice to Organic body oils. You be surprised how lovely and soft your skin feels…not to forget how it enhances your smell. I use it every day.

Recommended reading:
Master Cleanser
Lose Weight, Have More Energy & Be Happier in 10 Days: Take Charge of Your Health with the Master Cleanse
The Lemon Detox Diet: Rejuvenation Sensation

Filed under: Health and Diet on December 6th, 2007