Let's learn about lemons
Drinking lemon juice
Every morning I squeeze a fresh lemon using my hand juicer. I pour the first half I squeeze into a large glass, and fill it with water. I place the juice from the other half in the fridge so I can do the same thing later in the day.
I do like the flavor of lemon, but to be quite honest, I am not the lemons' biggest fan as far as the tart flavor it leaves in my mouth. Then, why do you drink lemon water? Let me tell you why.
First off, lemons turn alkaline after they enter our body. Yes, they are an acidic fruit, but that changes after they are digested. My reason for doing this is to decrease inflammation in my body. An alkaline body is a healthier body.
If you enjoy hot tea, another excellent way to drink your lemon juice is to add it to your mug! Need sweetness? Add a teaspoon of honey.
Zesting a lemon
Lemon zest adds a natural lemon flavor to whatever dish you add it to. The key to zesting a lemon is to be sure you do not zest the white skin beneath the outer yellow exterior. If you do, it will add a bitter flavor to your dish, and that is never appealing. This white skin is called the pith. You will find it under the colorful outer layer of citrus fruits.
You can use the smallest side of a box grater to zest your lemon. This is the side that looks like small rough holes. You can also use a vegetable peeler to strip the outer yellow layer of skin off your lemon. A paring knife will also work if you do not have a box grater or vegetable peeler.
The difference between a grater and a zester is simply the size of its holes. A grater has larger holes and can slice things into strands. A zester has much smaller holes but functions the same way.
To avoid wasting the lemon that you have just zested, squeeze out the juice and save it in the fridge for later. Or, you can store the zested lemon in the fridge for up to two months!
If you do not use all of the zest from a lemon, you can freeze it. The lemon zest will last up to three months in the freezer.
Other uses for lemons
Refresh your cutting boards. Lemon is the best natural cleaner!
Rub onto a sliced apple to prevent it from turning brown.
Household bug repellant. Spray lemon juice around the windows and doorways in your kitchen, and watch the bugs run away.
Window cleaner. Yes, you read that correctly. Spray freshly squeezed lemon juice on your windows and wipe away the dirt and build-up.
Clean your stainless steel sink. Sprinkle salt on a sliced lemon and scrub it clean.
Upset stomach? Have a glass of lemon water to find relief.
Add a slice of lemon peel to your garbage disposal and run it. This trick will eliminate odor.
What can I bake with lemons?
Lemon pound cake
Lemon cookies
Lemon doughnuts
Lemon cheesecake
Lemon bars
Lemon blueberry bread
Lemon scones
Lemon cupcakes
Lemon muffins
Lemon cake
Lemon shortbread
Lemon extract
Hopefully, you have a better understanding of the health benefits of lemons, how to easily zest a lemon, how to use lemons around the house, and what you can bake up using lemons. Now, all you need are lemons!
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