lemon

Lemons are one of the most widely used of all citrus fruits. Lemon is an excellent source of vitamin C. Fresh lemon juice is a summer thirst quencher.

Benefits:

• An excellent source of vitamin C.
• May relieve dry mouth.

Drawbacks:

• The peel contains an irritating oil.
• May be sprayed with a fungicide.

Many recipes call for fresh lemon zest, which is the grated outer peel. The zest is rich in an antioxidant chemical called rutin, which helps strengthen the walls of veins and capillaries.