LEMONS

Add a burst of sunshine to your plate with Lemon

Fun Facts about Lemon

India and China are the top lemon producers
Columbus brought lemon seeds to the Americas in 1493
It is believed that lemons originated in Assam, a state located in northeast India
Lemons are the only food in the world that are anionic, which means they possess a negatively charged ion

A step-by-step guide on how to pick Lemons

Colour

Look for lemons that have a bright, vibrant yellow colour. Avoid those with a greenish tint, as they are likely underripe. However, keep in mind that some varieties may have a slightly green hue even when ripe.

Texture

Avoid lemons that are too hard or too soft. A good lemon should give in a little bit when you apply gentle pressure.

Aroma

Ripe lemons should have a fresh, citrusy aroma. If there’s little to no scent, it might be an indication that the lemon is not as flavorful.

Health Benefits of Lemon

Rich in Vitamin C

Aids Digestion

Assists Weight Loss

Improved Iron Absorption

Improved Skin Health 

Two easy Lemon recipes

Recipe 1: Healthy Lemon Drizzle Cake

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (or other healthy oil like olive oil)
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 large eggs
1 cup plain Greek yoghurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 2 lemons

For the Lemon Drizzle

Juice of 2 lemons
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil and honey (or maple syrup). Add the eggs and beat well.
Stir in the Greek yoghurt, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean
While the cake is baking, prepare the lemon drizzle by combining the lemon juice and honey (or maple syrup) in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sweetener is dissolved.
Once the cake is out of the oven, poke holes in the top using a skewer or fork. Pour the lemon drizzle evenly over the warm cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Note: You can adjust the sweetness of the drizzle according to your taste by adding more or less honey or maple syrup.

Recipe 2: Healthy Honey Lemonade

Ingredients:

4-5 large lemons, juiced (about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice
4 cups cold water
2-3 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
Ice cubes
Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Roll the lemons on a countertop to make them easier to juice. Cut them in half and juice them using a lemon juicer or by hand. Strain the juice to remove any seeds and pulp.
In a pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice with cold water. Stir well to mix.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of honey to the lemonade. You can adjust the amount based on your desired level of sweetness. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed. Stir until the honey is completely dissolved.
Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more honey or water, as needed.
Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 1-2 hours before serving.
Pour the chilled lemonade over ice cubes in glasses. You can add lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for a decorative touch and extra flavour.
For a twist, you can add a splash of sparkling water to make it fizzy.
Experiment with infused water by adding a few slices of cucumber, strawberries, or mint leaves for added freshness.

For more easy and quick recipes with Lemon, watch this video: