Lovely Lemons And Their Many Uses

Lemons are used in many ways all over the world. They not only add a deliciously tart and fresh flavor to food and a lovely burst of color, but they also have many healing properties and other useful household uses.

Stock up on lemons for your cooking. If you can afford it buy organic and always wash the skins well. Zest your lemons first before cutting to juice.

Use the zest to sprinkle on salads, stir into any dish to add lively flavor, add to breads, cookies, pies, and other baked goods for a lemony splash, and stir into jellies, jams, and preserves.

Mix into an herb/garlic paste to rub onto meats, poultry, seafood or vegetables for grilling or roasting.

Add lemon zest to coffee grounds for a fresh flavor

Sprinkle zest on hot or cold cereals for extra flavor.

Lemon juice has a multitude of uses. Juice a bunch of lemons and store in refrigerator. Only do this if you're going to use the juice within a couple of days as it's best when it's fresh.

A splash of lemon juice on fruit or vegetables keeps them from browning.

Adding a drizzle of lemon juice to your food just before serving brightens the flavor and adds tart contrast.

Combine 1 part lemon juice, 2 parts olive oil, 1 teaspoon minced shallots, chopped fresh herbs, salt and pepper for a light and healthy vinaigrette or marinade.

Add a tablespoon or two to your fruit cobblers, crumbles, and pies. Its tartness cuts through the sugar and intensifies the flavor of the fruit.

Marinating seafood in lemon juice can "cook" the seafood because of its astringent and acidic properties. Many cuisines serve this "ceviche." Mix the juice with fresh herbs and garlic, marinate seafood for approximately an hour, and slice and serve for a light and flavorful starter or appetizer. I suggest that you use sushi grade fish.

Stuff poultry with citrus fruits and herbs to infuse the meat with their taste and fragrance.

Layer sliced lemons over marinated fish or shellfish when cooking. It infuses the flavor into the seafood and keeps it from drying out.