Lemon (zest and juice)

Description

Lemon has an intense, refreshing aroma and a fresh, sour taste; its thin, yellow skin contains essential oils with a strong scent, while the juice is clear and sour due to citric acid. It is low in calories, rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and antioxidants that support the immune system, help with iron absorption, and may aid digestion and detoxification at the metabolic level. In the kitchen, lemon zest and juice add freshness to dishes and balance flavors, pairing well with fish, poultry, vegetables, salads, sauces, desserts, and beverages; zest is used sparingly as a concentrated source of aroma. To prolong freshness, store whole lemons in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks, juice in airtight containers or in ice cubes in the freezer, and grated zest can be frozen or stored in oil, avoiding the white, bitter part of the peel.