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ALL ABOUT LIME 'N' LEMON

Lemon

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Lemon
Citrus x lemon
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Rosidae
Species: C. × lemon
Binomial name
Citrus × lemon
(L.) Burm.f.

The lemon (Citrus × lemon) is a hybrid in cultivated wild plants. It is the common name for the reproductive tissue surrounding the seed of the angiosperm lemon tree. The lemon is used for culinary and non culinary uses throughout the world.The fruit is used primarily for its juice, though the pulp and rind (zest) are also used, primarily in cooking and baking. Lemon juice is about 5% acid, which gives lemons a tart taste, and a pH of 2 to 3. This makes lemon juice an inexpensive, readily available acid for use in educational science experiments.

History

The mention of the lemon in literature dates back to a tenth century Arabic treatise on farming, although it was probably first grown in Assam, India. The lemon was used as an ornamental plant in early Islamic gardens and used in enemas in ancient Babylon. Lemonade may have originated in medieval Egypt. The name lemon was borrowed from Arabic limun through Italian & Old French, lemons also are very bright yellow and are very sour to eat thats also why some people say you are as sour as a lemon.

In 1747, James Lind's experiments on seamen suffering from scurvy involved adding Vitamin C to their diets through lemon juice.


Culinary uses

Lemons are used to make lemonade, and as a garnish for drinks. Iced tea, soft drinks and water are often served with a wedge or slice of lemon in the glass or on the rim.

The average lemon contains approximately 3 tablespoons of juice. Allowing lemons to come to room temperature before squeezing (or heating briefly in a microwave) makes the juice easier to extract. Lemons left unrefrigerated for long periods of time are susceptible to mold.

Fish are marinated in lemon juice to neutralize the odor. The acid neutralizes the amines in fish by converting them into nonvolatile ammonium salts.

Lemon juice, alone or in combination with other ingredients, is used to marinate meat before cooking: the acid provided by the juice partially hydrolyzes the tough collagen fibers in the meat (tenderizing the meat), though the juice does not have any antibiotic effects.

Lemons, alone or with oranges, are used to make marmalade. The grated rind of the lemon, called lemon zest, is used to add flavor to baked goods, puddings, rice and other dishes. Spicy pickled lemons are a Moroccan Jewish delicacy. A liqueur called limoncello is made from lemons.

When lemon juice is sprinkled on certain foods that tend to oxidize and turn brown after being sliced, such as apples, bananas and avocados, it acts as a short-term preservative.

Health benefits
lemon, raw, without peel
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy 30 kcal 120 kJ
Carbohydrates 9 g
- Sugars 2.5 g
- Dietary fiber 2.8 g
Fat 0.3 g
Protein 1.1 g
Water 89 g
Vitamin C 53 mg 88%
Citric acid 5 g
Percentages are relative to US
recommendations for adults.

Some sources state that lemons contain unique flavonoid compounds that have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. These may be able to deter cell growth in cancers. Limonins found in lemons could also be anti-carcinogens.

Because of its high Vitamin C content, lemon has been touted in alternative medicine as a tonic for the digestive system, immune system, and skin.There is a belief in Ayurvedic medicine that a cup of hot water with lemon juice in it tonifies and purifies the liver. In a Japanese study into the effects of aromatherapy, lemon essential oil in vapour form has been found to reduce stress in mice.

Non-culinary uses

* Lemon battery - A popular science experiment in schools involves attaching an electrode to the lemon and using it as a battery to power a light. The electricity generated in this way can also power a small motor. These experiments also work with other fruits and vegetables.
* Lemon hair lightener - Lemon juice applied to the hair is a natural hair lightener.
* Insecticide - The D-lemonene in lemon oil is used as a non-toxic insecticide treatment. See orange oil.
* Acne Treatment - Applying lemon juice to facial blemishes is a popular form of treating acne.
* Skin bleach - Lemon juice is also believed by many to lighten the skin when applied topically, as it has been suggested that the acids it contains inhibits melanin production. The effectiveness, however, is largely a subject of debate.
* Lemon is used in facial masks for refreshing the skin.

Lemon alternatives

Several other plants have a similar taste to lemons. In recent times, the Australian bush food lemon myrtle has become a popular alternative to lemons. The crushed and dried leaves and edible essential oils have a strong, sweet lemon taste but contain no citric acid. Lemon myrtle is popular in foods that curdle with lemon juice, such as cheesecake and ice cream. Limes are often used instead of lemons.

Many other plants are noted to have a lemon-like taste or scent. Among them are Cymbopogon (lemon grass), lemon balm, lemon thyme, lemon verbena, scented geraniums, certain cultivars of basil, and certain cultivars of mint.

Benefits of Lemon

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This is another fruit that has been known for its therapeutic properties for generations. It is also a root of any home remedy and is normally used to help the stomach ( because they have special cleansing effect).

Lemon is one of the fruits that would strengthen your immune system. If you have flu or colds, try drink lemon juice. It will relieve the symptoms as well as halt the progress of most infection. Why ? Because of its antibacterial and antiviral properties.



Benefits of Lemon:

1. Lemon act as blood purifier and improves the body’s ability to get rid of toxins.

2. Lemon fruit is excellent in fighting disease that's related to infection.




3. Buy lemon to get rid of certain insects. It’s mother nature’s version of insecticides and will help to repel mosquitoes and flies

4. Some people love antiseptics and would apply it to their skin whenever they have the smallest cut. The good news is you can use lemon on cuts too since it's nature's antiseptics. Not only that, because of its styptics property, it is said that lemon could be applied on cuts to stop bleeding.

5. Drinking lemon juice is useful for people with heart problem - because of its high potassium content



The use of Lemon:

1. Drink fresh lemon juice to cleanse your system

2. Use pure lemon juice on wasp and bee stings to relieve pain

3. Lemon juice mixed with olive oil may help to dissolve gallstones

4. It is believed that regular intake of fresh lemons may be useful in treating cases of kidney stones.


Benefits of Lemon Juice



Basically any type of fruit has some type of health benefit.


The citrus fruits have more benefits than others. The lemon has great benefits as well as the juice of the lemon as well. Either fresh squeezed lemons or store bought lemon juice have the same type of benefits. Lemon juice is good for a source of Vitamin C. One health benefit is that lemons and lemon juice can protect your body against germs and bacteria.

Lemon juice is very high in citric acid, which helps the body fight off colds. Lemons and the juice also acts as an antioxidants. Lemon juice is also a liver stimulant and can control irritable bowel syndrome. It can control conditions like constipation and diarrhea. It can also help in helping heart burn, some bloating and even helping in subsiding gas pains.

Lemon juice diluted with water can be very beneficial for pregnant women; it actually helps build the bones in the unborn child. Lemon juice also has potassium, which the health benefits are that they help the brain and nerve cells. Believe it or not lemons and in turn lemon juice also contain calcium, which is great for your bones and teeth. With the amount of magnesium it can help you treat other ailments such as asthma, colds, scurvy, fever and heartburn.

Warm Lemon Water Benefits

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Warm lemon water serves as the perfect good morning drink, as it aids the digestive system and makes the process of eliminating the waste products from the body easier. It prevents the problem of constipation and diarrhea from taking place, by ensuring smooth bowel functions. Read further to explore information about hot lemon water benefits…

Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. Lemon water flushes out body toxins and thus is extremely beneficial for the body.

Lemon, a fruit popular for its therapeutic properties, helps promote your immune system and thus, protects you from the clutches of most types of infections. It also plays the role of blood purifier. Lemon is a fabulous antiseptic bestowed on us by Mother Nature. Limewater juice works wonders for people having heart problem, owing to its high potassium content. So, make it a part of your daily routine to drink a glass of warm lemon water in the morning and then open your gateway to enjoy its health benefits.

Natural uses for lemon
The natural uses for lemons for external and internal problems.

The lemon tree is one of the oldest cultivated fruit plants originated from India. Today, lemon trees grow in subtropical climates all over the world, especially in Florida and the Mediterranean. Though the fruit and its juice have a sour taste to it, lemon is actually a fantastic buffer in the body and can reduce hyperacidity in the stomach. Lemon juice and peels have an antiseptic effect and the leaves of the tree are used to reduce fever. In addition, lemons are rich in vitamin C which strengthens the immune system and acting as an antioxant, protects cells from radical damage.

Lemons as a therapeutic usage helps anti-inflammatory action. It helps the body cleanse itself by promoting perspiration and acting as a natural diuretic. Lemons also stimulate the appetitie, aids digestion, strengthens body defense system, relieves cramps and also dilates the blood vessels in the skin.

Lemons are known for useful remedies for gout, urine retention, athritis, vitamin C deficiency, inflammation of the mouth and throat, hoarseness, digestive disorders, asthma, nervousness, insomnia, heart palpitations and helps the system with diseases of the stomach, liver and intestines.

Some uses for lemons:

Infusions from lemon leaves;

Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 3 tsp. of dried leaves and allow to steep for ten minutes. To reduce fever and relieve cramps, drink up to 2 cups per day.

Sweetened with honey, this tea helps coughs and asthma.

It is also a cure for insomnia. It promotes relaxation and deep sleep. Drink 1 cup before retiring at night.

Lemon Peels;

Relief from joint and nerve pains

The fragrant volatile oils found in the peel help relax blood vessels and produce an anti-inflammatory effect.

Grate the peel from one lemon, being careful to get only the yellow layer and none of the white pith underneath. Rub the grated peel into the affected body part and wrap with a bandage. (cotton prefer) Keep in place for one to two hours.

Lemon Juice;

Soothing sunburns

Using cotton balls gently apply diluted lemon jice to sunburned skin. The juice acts as an astringent, relieving the pain.

Lemon Juice;

Emergency Disinfectant

lemon juice can disinfect minor wounds or lesions in the mouth and throat. (such as cankor sores)

Apply diluted juice to affected areas or gargle several times a day.

The Lemon and the Juice;

Alleviate sore throat and hoarseness

Squeeze one lemon and dilute the juice with 1 cup of hot water. Gargle three times a day with the juice.

Lemon Juice and Water;

Stop a nosebleed

Dribble a small amount of diluted lemon juice on a cotton ball and dab it repeatedly onto the nasal mucous membrane. The lemon's astringent effect draws the body tissues together.

Pick organic lemons if you can, mostly if you plan to use the peels. They should be bright and firm with a fine grained skin. A very course exterior may indicate a thick skin, which may mean less juicy flesh. Large lemons tend to be thick skinned. Size doesn't mean more juice. A lemon that feels heavy for its smaller size usually means more juice which is what you are aiming for.

Lemon Juice Health Benefits

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Lemonade is known to have been used as a refreshing drink since the time of the Moguls. Modem investigations have tended to support this use, the essential oil being very good for cooling the body. This use can be extended to the employment of lemon juice with water and sugar as the best drink to take when you have a fever

When the temperature of the body is high, whether from the effects of the sun or from the results of illness, it is necessary to take regular drinks in order to prevent dehydration. Sugar is not normally a desirable part of a healthy diet, nevertheless it has its part to play with lemon, and although there is no doubt that the addition of honey if available is very much to be preferred.

The high vitamin C content of the lemon has been used for hundreds of years to ward off scurvy among sailors and travelers. There is little sodium, so the fruit is good as a flavoring for those on a low salt diet.

Because in some countries the producers of lemons extend their keeping properties and improve appearance by coating them with the chemical diphenyl and waxing the fruits, it is a wise precaution to wash the lemon with a little unscented soap and then rinse thoroughly before converting the whole fruit to juice.

The pulp left from the juicing is excellent for the skin and can also soothe the bites and stings of insects. If you add equal parts of toilet water and of glycerin to the residue the mixture can be made to keep the hands smooth.

Doctors Morel and Rochaix demonstrated that the extract of lemon when vaporized will neutralize the bacteria of meningococcus, typhoid, pneumococcus and staphylococcus in from 15 to 180 minutes.

A gastronomically inclined Frenchman, Charles Richet, is said by Dr Valnet to have discovered that the lemon juice added to raw oysters before eating them destroys 92% of the bacteria present within 15 minutes. A good reason to wait before you eat!

This information is relevant to the idea that lemon juice is a most important therapy to be used in all cases of infection of the respiratory tract and as a general tonic.

Provided that the juice is diluted with water, there is no danger in taking any reasonable quantity of lemon juice. Be sure to choose firm, clear colored lemons that have not begun to wither. The first signs of ageing can be spotted where the stem was once attached to the fruit.

Lemon Tree

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Scientific Name(S): Citrus limon (L.), family Rutaceae

Common Name(S): Lemon

The lemon ( Citrus × limon ) is a hybrid citrus tree of cultivated origin. The fruit are used primarily for their juice , though the pulp and rind ( zest ) are also used, primarily in cooking or mixing. Lemon juice is about 5% citric acid , which gives lemons a sour taste and a pH of 2 to 3. This acidity makes lemon juice a cheap, readily available acid for use in educational chemistry experiments.

Botany: The lemon tree is an evergreen, growing to over 6 m in height. Its toothed leaves are light green. The citrus fruit (lemon) is small, green to yellow in color, and oval in shape. Unlike other citrus varieties, the lemon tree bears fruit continuously. The plant is cultivated in Mediterranean and subtropical climates worldwide.

History: The lemon originated in southeast Asia, probably in india or southern China. Its history is sometimes unclear because of the confusion with the similarly appearing "citron," a closely related species. The lemon was thought to have been depicted in Roman artwork as early as the first century A.D. Other sources state that the fruit was first grown in Europe in the second century A.D.

In the 1600s, physicians became aware that daily intake of lemon juice would prevent outbreaks of scurvy among sailors on long sea voyages. Scurvy is a vitamin deficiency disease characterized by muscle wasting, inability of wound healing, bruising, and gum deterioration? English ships were required by law to carry enough lemon or lime juice for each sailor to get 1 ounce daily, earning them the nickname "limeys."

The California lemon industry began after the Gold Rush of 1849. From 1940 to 1965, production increased. Today, California and Arizona are the major lemon producers, making the US a major source ahead of Mexico and Italy.
More than 50% of the US lemon crop is processed into juice and other drink products. The peel, pulp, and seeds are also used to make oils, pectin, or other products. Lemon juice has long been used as a diuretic, diaphoretic, astringent, tonic, lotion, and gargle.
Uses of Lemon

Lemon has been used in food preparations and the agricultural industry to gel and stabilize foods. Important for its nutritional value, the lemon possesses vitamin C, which is necessary to sustain the body's resistance to infection and heal wounds. The lemon also contains antioxidant, anticancer, hydrophilic, and antimicrobial properties.
Side Effects of Lemon

Toxicology reports include erosive effects on tooth enamel.

Toxicology: The erosive effects of lemon juice on tooth enamel have also been evaluated. One study finds loss of gloss, alteration in enamel color, and irregular dental tissue loss upon morphological analysis.

Summary: The lemon is an important and versatile fruit, dating back to the first or second century A.D. It contains many important vitamins including vitamin C, a necessary factor in preventing infection and healing wounds. Lemon's effects as an antioxidant and antitumor agent have been reported. The pectin component is also beneficial, aiding in cardiovascular health. Lemons also play important roles as antimicrobials, for skin ailments, and in GI health. Toxicology includes erosive effects on tooth enamel.

Lemon Health Tips

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Listed below are some common problems and ailments which can easily be cured from the use of Lemons:


Colds and sore throats
For relief, mix a teaspoon of honey and the juice of one lemon, in a glass of water and drink every two hours. Another family remedy is a clove of crushed garlic, mixed with half a lemon and sweetened with honey. This usually clears up anything you may be "coming down with" by the time Fajr prayer arrives.

Cystitis
to acidify the urine and to stop bladder infections, drink a glass of cherry juice, lemon juice and water on an hourly basis at the first sign of infection.

Mouthwash
Lemons are more natural then fluoride and effective in removing plaque. They also whiten and strengthen tooth enamel

Cystitis
to acidify the urine and to stop bladder infections, drink a glass of cherry juice, lemon juice and water on an hourly basis at the first sign of infection.

Asthma
One tablespoon of pure lemon juice before each meal relieves Asthma.

Excessive Menstruation
Consuming the juice of 3-4 lemons a day will help.

For children
Rub the body with two halves of a lemon to open the pores of the skin and release the body heat

Fevers
Hot water and lemon juice will support and speed up the fevering process, helping the body fight off infections or toxins. Without the fever, the immune system has fewer ways to combat the disease. However, if there are bowel problems this should be avoided

Diphtheria
Use pure lemon juice every hour as a gargle and swallow some until it cuts loose the false membrane in the throat.

Toxins
Squeeze some lemon juice into warm water and drink it to help cleanse the body of toxins .

Clearing blemishes
Lemons can be rubbed directly onto skin and left for about 2 hours before rinsing to clear skin. This is good to reduce wrinkles and treat blemishes. The treatment will work better if followed by olive oil after rinsing. It works by speeding up skin renewal and uncovering a fresh new layer of skin. However, it is important not to do this before going out in the sun as it will have a bleaching effect.
As a cleanser, beat an egg white with lemon juice and honey. Leave to dry on face for a few minutes then wash with warm water.

Hair tonic
Massage some lemon juice onto hair and leave it for a while before rinsing. Again, do not do this before going in the sun. This treatment is especially good for greasy hair as it will regulate the sebaceous glands which produce oil and make the hair shine and prevent dandruff.

Chilblains
Rub a slice of lemon dipped in coarse sea salt on unbroken affected skin to clear Chilblains.

Itches
Rub fresh lemon juice on the itching area.

Acne
To healp against acne, mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice with 1 teaspoon finely ground cinnamon powder. Apply on affected areas frequently.
For acne spots, apply lemon juice with a cotton bud as bactericide.

Itches
Rub fresh lemon juice on the itching area.

Use 1 - Tradional Lemonade

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Classic Lemonade: a Traditional Favorite!
Starting with a basic syrup base, you can have traditional lemonade ready anytime. Or, make a variety of flavors to match your creative mood.
Basic Lemonade Recipe 3 1/2 cups
Water
1 cup
Fresh squeezed Lemon juice*
1/2-1 cup
Granulated sugar (to taste)
Mix water and lemon juice, dissolving the sugar into the mixture. Chill. Serve in a beautiful pitcher, garnish with lemon slices.
Serve over ice. *(about 4-6 large lemons)

Use 2 - Make a battery from a lemon

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All you need for this experiment is a lemon, a penny, and strip of zinc. Make sure the zinc and the penny are clean by polishing them with a piece of sand paper. Squeeze the lemon without spliting the peel to release the juices inside. Cut a pair of slits in the top of the lemon about 1-2 cm apart. Insert the penny in one slit and the zinc in the other.

Touching the leads of a voltmeter to the penny and the zinc will show that a small voltage is produced.

WARNING: A small number of people die each year from testing batteries with their tongue so don't do it, but breaking open a battery with a pair of plyers is fine!!

Illustration: curtesy of Ladybird Junior Science Book, Magnets, Bulbs and Batteries.

Use 3 - power the National Grid

Purely in the interest of science, if you can make electricity from a lemon, how many lemons does it take to power the national grid?

To answer that question we need to know 2 things:

1. How much electricity does 1 lemon produce.
2. How much electricity does it take to power the national grid the conventional way.

Well, from the experiment we carried out, our lemon produced 1.5 volts of electricity, and to get the answer to the next question we emailed the national grid (transco) and asked them. We also asked them if they could answer the original question to save us from working it out for ourselves, and see if they would take us seriously!!

Use 4 - Freshen Up your Fridge

Fridges... we need them! But over time and the more we fill them with food we forget to eat, the more they begin to smell bad, which then begins to make newly purchased food taste like a wrestlers armpit!

To kombat this and to keep your fridge odour free, lemons can be used to freshen up your fridge.



Here's how:
Take one lemon and cut it in half. Place the lemon on a saucer and put this at the back of your fridge, the lemon will naturally absorb any bad odours coming from your fridge and making it smell super.

Or you could just buy a new fridge!

If you would like to see pictures of fridges and alternative uses for them, you might be interested in this site. We loved the Kegerator idea and may invest in one for the office!