Monday, February 21, 2011

Lemon......The Citrus Limon

Lemons (Citrus limon) are oval shaped fruits with a thick yellow skin, fibrous yellow flesh, and little white seeds at their center. Some forms of lemons, such as Meyer lemons, can be orange colored.

 
 
 
 
Health Benefits of Lemons: Natural vitmains, minerals, and nutrients found in Lemons: Vitamin C | Dietary Fiber | Potassium |

How to choose Lemons: Look for firm, vibrantly colored lemons with only a light smell. Avoid any lemons which feel soft, as this is a sign they have started to rot.

How to store Lemons: The citric acid (vitamin C) in lemons is itself a preservative. Lemons stored in the fridge can last up to a month.

Climate and origin: It is unknown where lemons originated, however it is thought to be in India. Lemons are tropical fruits and thrive in zones 9-10 (in the U.S.) with some varieties hybridized to grow in colder temperate climates.

Taste: Lemons have a sharp acidic taste with a juicy texture.
Miscellaneous information: Grating the skin of lemons to make lemon zest is a great way to add spice and flavor to a variety of dishes. Lemon zest is also a good source of vitamin C and calcium.
  • Increased Immune Function
  • Protection Against Heart Disease
  • Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
  • Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
  • Osteoporosis Protection
  • Stroke PreventionFlavonoids found in lemons are believed to have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
    *Some of these health benefits are due to the nutrients highly concentrated in Lemons, and may not necessarily be related to Lemons.