Lemons
After salt and pepper, lemon may be the most commonly used flavoring ingredient in the culinary arts. Used in everything from baking to sauce making to meat and vegetable cookery, lemons bring their own tangy flavor and bright aroma, while actually enhancing a dish's other flavors. Lemon is said to be a "flavor catalyst," meaning that it interacts with the taste buds so that the flavors that follow are more pronounced. Next time a recipe needs a little something to take it from good to great, reach for a lemon.
Nutrition: Lemons are fat free; saturated fat free; sodium free; cholesterol free and high in vitamin C. While very acidic on their own, lemons have a very alkalizing affect on the body. Why is pH so important? It’s simple, cancer cells can’t grow in an alkaline environment. Keeping your body slightly alkaline by consuming alkalizing foods is extremely important to your overall health. The high amounts of Vitamin C, potassium and folate will boost your immune system and keep your body healthy. No more colds and sinus issues for you this Fall. Lemons are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin to keep your eyes healthy.
In Season: 'Eureka' and 'Lisbon' lemons are available year-round in supermarkets.
What to Look For: Choose lemons not much more than 3 inches from tip to stem and that are heavy for their size. The skin should be taut and thin; avoid those with very hard skin. Through skin, you should be able to feel the flesh inside. The lemon should give slightly when pressed. Wrinkled, dry-skinned, or dull-colored lemons are past their prime.
How to Store: Lemons can be refrigerated in a plastic bag for two to three weeks.
Did You Know? Lemon water is a natural diuretic. This is a great reason to start your day with a large mug of warm lemon water – the diuretic effect helps detox your body to start your day off right. Lemon water is also great for the digestive system. If you ever experience indigestion, grumbling in your belly or digestion issues in general, sipping warm lemon water 10-15 minutes before you eat will help enzyme production in your gut and aid in digestion. Supercharged with Vitamin C and tons of nutrients, regularly sipping warm lemon water will make your skin glow. Try it for a week and see for yourself.