Ingredient Spotlight: Lemons

After so many great recipes and table decorating came from our Citrus-Themed Potluck last month, I thought it would be great to feature lemons in our Ingredient Spotlight!

Lemons are always a must in stocking my pantry supplies to always have on hand.  These fruits enhance almost any dish from meats to vegetables to sauces to drinks.  Lemons are rich in vitamin C and are very aromatic.  They also make great garnishes.  One of the best things about lemons is that you can utilize the whole fruit.  The zest, juice, and fruit meat can all be used in a variety of different ways and dishes.  Lemons can also be used for a variety of ‘non-edible’ solutions including face scrubs, cleansers, and according to my friend Cat over at ‘Things My Belly Likes’, Flea Spray!

The most common variety found in supermarkets is the ‘Eureka’ lemon.  Another popular variety in cooking is the Meyer Lemon.  This fruit is actually is a cross between a lemon and an orange or mandarin.  Their taste is sweeter and less acidic which accounts for their popularity in dishes.  For some more information on Meyer Lemons, check out Adam’s awesome post discussing them on Food Snob Chronicles!

Lemons can be stored for 2-3 weeks in a refrigerator.  When selecting lemons at the market, look for smooth, brightly colored skin.

Below are some great dishes from Green Door Hospitality that include Lemons and/or Lemon Juice.  Simply click on the image to be taken to recipe!