| The lemon is a well known cultivated plant, grown for several thousand years. The origin is not known; some scientists think that it is native to North-West India. Approximately at the beginning of the 3rd century A.D, the lemon was grown in the south of Italy, in the 7th Century in Egypt and Iraq, and at the end of the millennium in China. By the beginning of the 2nd millennium, Arabs disseminated lemon all over the Mediterranean region. In one of his expeditions, Christopher Columbus brought lemon seeds to the New World. Now the lemon is grown in many countries of the world.
The lemon is widely used in medicine, cookery, and even in floral culture.
Diluted with water, lemon juice can be used for removing lime deposits and stains from the leaves other plants.
From a medical point of view, the lemon has pronounced antibacterial properties; it tones up, improves the metabolism and condition of the blood vessels and stimulates the nervous system. It contains a large volume of vitamin C (in 100g half of the daily need), vitamins: B1, B2, PP and different minerals. It is noted that in homes where lemons are grown people tend to suffer less from cold related sickness.
The lemon can be used for treating the common cold. If you are feeling discomfort in the throat, try this method which I used in real life (of course if you don't have an allergy to honey with lemon and a hypersensitivity of the teeth enamel). Take half a lemon, cut it into thin slices (2-3mm). Remove the seeds and pour two tea spoons of dark honey into it and well mix. And now the prissy are requested to turn away. Take each slice of the lemon and chew it up. When the plate is empty you will feel a pleasant feeling in your throat, some may even wish to sing. Honey with lemon is tasty and not at all a sour dish. Apply this method three times a day after meals.
Lemon is traditionally added into tea. It is a very aromatic refreshing drink and possesses toning up properties. The regular in-take of such tea would help you avoid colds. It is interesting that adding lemon to tea was invented in Russia. Later this wonderful drink became popular in many countries with a hot climate.
Lemon is widely used in cookery, particularly in countries where this fruit is grown. Lemon and also its zest are used in Mediterranean cuisine.
Lemon juice is used in various dishes for adjusting the taste or instead of vinegar: salads, soups, dressings and many sauces. |
Lemons are widely used by cosmetics industry these days for several reasons - lemon juice is a natural ingredient in many hair lighteners; when applied to skin lemon juice cleans the pores, prevents acne and refreshes the skin - that's why lemon juice is used in many facial masks.
