Other than adding a delicious, citrusy kick to everything, and having an impressive array of health benefits, lemons are little heroes in the kitchen in many more ways. So, when life hands you lemons, grab them with both hands – and not just to make lemonade! Here’s what you could do with them:
Freshen wilted, browning veggies and fruits.
If your lettuce has become a little wilted, revive it by adding juice from a lemon into a bowl of water and dipping the wilted leaves to the bowl. Put into the refrigerator for an hour. Later, dry them before using it in your salad. Add lemon juice to a bowl of cold water and put the raw peeled potatoes in it. Since lemon juice is acidic, it prevents the oxidation, which turns produce brown. The potatoes will stay white for a day or two until they’re cooked. A few squeezes of juice can do wonders for fruits like apples and avocados, too. Try this trick the next time you set out a platter of fresh sliced fruit.
Tenderise meat and make it tastier.
The acidity in the lemon juice breaks down the protein fibres in meat, leaving it fork-tender and also infuses flavour. It also lets the oil and spices have the full effect.
Use it to add flavour without adding more salt.
It’s ideal to eat only moderate amounts of salt. Those who have high blood pressure need to follow this even more. A little bit of lemon juice can really transform a meal, adding zing and balancing the flavour. Lemon thus helps those looking to cook healthier dishes without sacrificing flavour.
Clean cutting boards.
Due to constant use, your cutting boards often end up smelly and discoloured. Cut a lemon in half and run it all over the cutting board. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse clean. Lemon juice helps get rid of strong odours.
Clean microwave.
Just squeeze the juice from one lemon to a big cup of water of a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for five minutes until it becomes steamy. Let sit for a few minutes. Now remove bowl and wipe clean with a clean, damp cloth. The microwave will smell fresh.
Freshen the refrigerator.
When your fridge starts smelling funny, clear rotting vegetables or an old dish left inside and forgotten. Then place some cut lemons inside overnight. It is very effective.
Freshen kitchen air.
Heavy onion-garlic smells or fried fish odours emanating from the kitchen may not be pleasant for the family if they linger too long. To cover up, simmer a cut lemon in two glasses of water on the stove until your whole kitchen smells lemony.
Get rid of ants.
Mix up a solution of one part lemon juice to three parts water and use it as an all-purpose spray. It is especially effective to keep ants away.
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