First Month's Topic

I spent the afternoon at the library yesterday, researching lemons.  Or trying to, anyway.  There was only one book in the entire library about lemons.  Its title:  Lemons:  Growing, Cooking, Crafting, by Kate Chynoweth and Elizabeth Woodson.  Its not very big, but it was quite informative. 

Did you know that lemons originated in India?  I had no idea.  I would have guessed the Mediterranean.  Or that the best lemons for cooking are the Eureka and the Lisbon?  Although, many people prefer the Meyer lemon, which is not strictly a lemon, but rather, a cross between the lemon and an orange, or possible a mandarin.  (The jury seems to be out on whether it was an orange or a mandarin.  Either way, I believe I want to try it.)

An internet search was much more productive. I found a lot of recipes to try, including several varieties of lemonade and a chicken-lemon rice soup that sounds delicious.

When buying lemons, one should look for heavy fruit with bright yellow color that is firm to the touch.  Although, if you plan to use the lemon zest, you should buy organic lemons, as they have not been sprayed with chemicals for bug control or covered with wax to make them shine.   If you can't get organic, then you should be sure to wash them thoroughly to remove these elements.

Adding some lemon juice to rice as it cooks will make it fluffier.  Who knew?  I will definitely be trying this one next time we have rice.  And, of course, a small wedge of lemon in a glass of ice water improves the taste immensely.

Lemons are extremely healthy.  They are packed with vitamin C, which is why they are good for colds.    They also contain antioxidants and cancer-fighting properties.  One site I looked at said that they were good protection against rheumatoid arthritis.

A sore throat remedy:

Mix 1 cup of honey with 1/4 c. of hot water and 3 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice.  Store it in a jar in the refrigerator.  Use about 1-2 tblsp. to soothe a sore throat.   I've been using this one for years.  It really does soothe the throat and tastes yummy! 

So, September will become Lemon Exploration Month in this home.  We will start with that Lemon-Rice soup I believe, and will also try keeping a bowl of lemon wedges in the fridge for use on veggies and whatnot.  See you soon, and happy experimenting!