USA Lemon Overview
The USA Lemon, primarily of the Eureka and Lisbon varieties, is known for its bright yellow color, juicy flesh, and tart, zesty flavor. Valued for its high Vitamin C content, USA lemons are widely used in culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic applications. They add a refreshing acidity to both sweet and savory dishes, making them versatile ingredients in recipes worldwide.
Health Benefits of USA Lemon
- Rich in Vitamin C: Boosts immune health and aids in collagen synthesis for skin.
- Supports Digestion: Acts as a mild laxative when mixed with warm water, helping with digestion and detoxification.
- Promotes Heart Health: High in antioxidants and flavonoids, which support cardiovascular health.
- Helps in Weight Management: Lemon water can increase metabolism and reduce calorie intake when used as a healthy beverage alternative.
- Improves Skin Quality: Antioxidants and citric acid in lemons can help reduce blemishes and promote clear skin.
How to Eat USA Lemon
- Juiced: Use in lemonade, salad dressings, marinades, or herbal teas.
- Zested: Add zest to desserts, sauces, or as a garnish for a citrusy aroma.
- Sliced: Serve with seafood, meats, or beverages for a refreshing garnish.
- Preserved: Preserve lemons in brine for unique flavor additions to Mediterranean and North African dishes.
Nutritional Value of USA Lemon (per 100 grams)
- Calories: 29 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Sugars: 2.5 g
- Protein: 1.1 g
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Vitamin C: 53 mg
- Calcium: 26 mg
- Potassium: 138 mg
Taste Profile
USA Lemons are highly acidic and tangy, with a refreshing citrus aroma. The juice is sour, while the zest is mildly bitter but fragrant, making it an excellent addition to dishes that need a burst of brightness and acidity.
Indian Recipes with USA Lemon
1. Lemon Rice
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice: 2 cups
- USA lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Oil: 1 tbsp
- Mustard seeds: 1/2 tsp
- Curry leaves: 8-10
- Turmeric powder: 1/4 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Peanuts: 2 tbsp, roasted
Instructions:
- Heat oil, add mustard seeds and curry leaves.
- Add turmeric powder, salt, and lemon juice.
- Mix in rice and peanuts, cook briefly, then serve.
2. Lemon Rasam
Ingredients:
- Toor dal: 1/2 cup, cooked and mashed
- USA lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Tomato: 1, chopped
- Green chili: 1, slit
- Water: 2 cups
- Salt: to taste
- Coriander leaves: for garnish
- Mustard seeds: 1/2 tsp
- Oil: 1 tsp
Instructions:
- Boil tomato, green chili, and water. Add mashed dal and salt.
- Add lemon juice, garnish with coriander, and serve hot.
3. Lemon Pickle
Ingredients:
- USA lemons: 10, quartered
- Salt: 3 tbsp
- Turmeric powder: 1 tbsp
- Red chili powder: 1 tbsp
- Mustard oil: 2 tbsp
Instructions:
- Mix lemon, salt, and turmeric, set aside for a week to soften.
- Add red chili powder and mustard oil, store in a jar for flavor development.
4. Lemon Chutney
Ingredients:
- USA lemons: 3, chopped
- Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Red chili powder: 1/2 tsp
- Water: 1/4 cup
Instructions:
- Cook lemon pieces with water, sugar, salt, and chili powder.
- Simmer until thick and store in a glass jar.
5. Lemon Coriander Soup
Ingredients:
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Coriander leaves: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Vegetable broth: 2 cups
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions:
- Bring broth to a boil, add garlic and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add lemon juice, coriander, salt, and pepper before serving.
Non-Indian Recipes with USA Lemon
1. Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients:
- Shrimp: 500 g, cleaned
- USA lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil, add garlic, then shrimp. Cook until pink.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and serve with rice or pasta.
2. Lemon Pasta
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti: 200 g
- USA lemon zest: 1 tsp
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta, drain, and mix with lemon zest, juice, olive oil, and cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
3. Lemon Drizzle Cake
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Sugar: 3/4 cup
- Butter: 1/2 cup, softened
- Eggs: 2
- USA lemon zest: 1 tbsp
- Lemon juice: 3 tbsp
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs, zest, and juice.
- Fold in flour and baking powder, bake at 180°C for 30 minutes.
4. Lemon Chicken
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast: 2, sliced
- USA lemon juice: 3 tbsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken in lemon, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.
- Grill or pan-fry until golden and fully cooked.
5. Lemon Hummus
Ingredients:
- Chickpeas: 1 cup, boiled
- USA lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Tahini: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 1 clove
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Salt: to taste
Instructions:
- Blend chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, and salt until smooth.
- Drizzle with olive oil before serving.
USA Lemon is a versatile ingredient that can add brightness and acidity to a wide variety of dishes, enhancing both traditional and modern recipes. Enjoy experimenting with it to elevate your culinary creations!