Different Ways to Use Lemons

The lemon is a small evergreen tree which is native to Asia and produces oval yellow fruit which is also called lemon. The juice of the lemon is used in cooking as well as its pulp and rind or zest. The taste of the fruit is sour and therefore it is often used in marinating products. An average lemon contains about 3 tablespoons of juice and it is advisable to let lemons come to room temperature or briefly heat in a microwave to make the extraction of the juice easier.

            Lemon juice is used to make lemonades and soft drinks. It is used for marinating fish, meat and chicken. If not marinating the juice is also great for just squeezing over meat or fish. It is a great ingredient in salad dressings.

            The juice may also be used as a preservative by squeezing it on products such as apples, bananas and avocados to keep them from turning brown once they have been sliced Lemon juice and rind are used in making marmalade and lemon liqueur.

            Lemon slices and rind are also used as garnish for food and drink. The zest when grated is used to add flavor to baked goods, puddings, rice and other dishes. A Moroccan delicacy is pickled lemons.

            Other uses of lemons:

• It is thought that lemon oil aroma when used in aromatherapy may enhance mood. The low pH of the juice makes it an antibacterial.
• For those who count large amount of bill like tellers and cashiers a halved lemon may be used a a finger moistener.
• In schools a popular science experiment involves attaching electrodes to a lemon and using it as a battery to produce electricity. Even thought the power is low several lemon batteries can power a small digital watch. These experiments can also work with other fruit and vegetables.
• The oil of peels is used as a wood cleaner and polish.
• A halved lemon dipped in salt or baking powder can brighten copper cookware since the acid dissolves the tarnish.
• As a kitchen deodorizer the juice deodorizes, removes grease, bleaches stains and disinfects. When it is mixed with baking soda it can remove stains from plastic food storage containers.