Lemon Leaf , 20 Leaf

Lemon Leaf Overview

Lemon Leaves (Citrus limon) are aromatic leaves from the lemon tree, commonly used in various cuisines around the world for their fragrant flavor. They are particularly popular in Southeast Asian cooking and are known for their refreshing citrusy aroma. Lemon leaves can be used fresh or dried and are often used to infuse flavor in dishes or as a wrapping for steaming.

Nutritional Value of Lemon Leaves (per 100g):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Dietary Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Vitamin C: 62 mg (104% of the daily recommended intake)
• Calcium: 83 mg (8% of the daily recommended intake)
• Iron: 0.7 mg (4% of the daily recommended intake)

Health Benefits of Lemon Leaves:

1. Rich in Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that can help combat oxidative stress.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: May reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
3. Digestive Health: Known to aid in digestion and relieve stomach discomfort.
4. Antimicrobial Properties: Can help fight against certain bacteria and fungi.
5. Aromatherapy Benefits: The aromatic properties can promote relaxation and reduce stress.

How to Eat Lemon Leaves:

• Infusion: Use fresh leaves to infuse flavor in soups, curries, or sauces.
• Steamed Dishes: Wrap food in lemon leaves while steaming to impart a citrusy aroma.
• Teas: Brew dried or fresh leaves in hot water for a refreshing herbal tea.

Recipes Using Lemon Leaves

Indian Recipes

1. Lemon Leaf Rice

• Ingredients:
  • Cooked rice: 2 cups
  • Lemon leaves: 4-5, cleaned and torn
  • Mustard seeds: 1 tsp
  • Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
  • Green chili: 1, slit
  • Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
  • Salt: to taste
  • Oil: 2 tbsp
• Method:
  1. Heat oil in a pan; add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
  2. Once they splutter, add grated ginger, green chili, and torn lemon leaves; sauté for a minute.
  3. Add cooked rice and salt; mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.

2. Lemon Leaf Chicken Curry

• Ingredients:
  • Chicken: 500g, cut into pieces
  • Lemon leaves: 6-8, cleaned
  • Onion: 1, finely chopped
  • Tomato: 1, chopped
  • Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tbsp
  • Coconut milk: 1 cup
  • Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Chili powder: 1 tsp
  • Salt: to taste
  • Oil: 2 tbsp
• Method:
  1. Heat oil in a pot; add onions and sauté until golden.
  2. Add ginger-garlic paste and tomatoes; cook until soft.
  3. Add chicken, turmeric, chili powder, and salt; cook until chicken is browned.
  4. Add lemon leaves and coconut milk; simmer until chicken is cooked through.

3. Lemon Leaf Fish Curry

• Ingredients:
  • Fish: 500g, cleaned and cut into pieces
  • Lemon leaves: 4-5, torn
  • Coconut oil: 2 tbsp
  • Mustard seeds: 1/2 tsp
  • Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
  • Onion: 1, finely chopped
  • Tomato: 1, chopped
  • Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: to taste
• Method:
  1. Heat coconut oil in a pan; add mustard seeds.
  2. Once they splutter, add onions and ginger; sauté until golden.
  3. Add tomatoes, turmeric, and salt; cook until soft.
  4. Add fish and lemon leaves; cook until the fish is done.

4. Lemon Leaf Chutney

• Ingredients:
  • Lemon leaves: 10-12, cleaned
  • Coconut: 1/2 cup, grated
  • Green chili: 1-2, to taste
  • Ginger: 1-inch piece
  • Salt: to taste
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
• Method:
  1. In a blender, combine lemon leaves, coconut, green chili, ginger, and salt.
  2. Blend into a smooth paste; add lemon juice and mix well.

5. Lemon Leaf Tea

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh lemon leaves: 5-6
  • Water: 2 cups
  • Honey: to taste (optional)
• Method:
  1. Boil water in a pot; add lemon leaves.
  2. Simmer for 5-7 minutes; strain into cups.
  3. Add honey if desired and serve hot.

Non-Indian Recipes

1. Lemon Leaf Infused Olive Oil

• Ingredients:
  • Lemon leaves: 5-6, cleaned
  • Olive oil: 1 cup
• Method:
  1. In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over low heat.
  2. Add lemon leaves and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Let it cool and strain into a bottle.

2. Lemon Leaf Grilled Chicken

• Ingredients:
  • Chicken breast: 500g
  • Lemon leaves: 6-8, cleaned
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
• Method:
  1. Marinate chicken with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Wrap chicken in lemon leaves and grill until cooked through.

3. Lemon Leaf Soup

• Ingredients:
  • Vegetable broth: 4 cups
  • Lemon leaves: 4-5, torn
  • Carrot: 1, diced
  • Celery: 1 stalk, diced
  • Onion: 1, chopped
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
• Method:
  1. In a pot, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil.
  2. Simmer for 20-30 minutes; strain and serve hot.

4. Lemon Leaf Fish Fillet

• Ingredients:
  • Fish fillet: 500g
  • Lemon leaves: 6-8, cleaned
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
• Method:
  1. Marinate fish fillet with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Wrap in lemon leaves and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes.

5. Lemon Leaf Salad Dressing

• Ingredients:
  • Lemon leaves: 3-4, chopped
  • Olive oil: 1/4 cup
  • Balsamic vinegar: 2 tbsp
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
• Method:
  1. Whisk together all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle over salads and toss well.

Lemon Leaves are a versatile vegetable that can enhance a variety of dishes, both traditional and modern. Enjoy experimenting with it in your cooking!