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The lemon (Citrus limon) is a species of small evergreen tree native to Asia.
The tree's ellipsoidal yellow fruit is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the
world, primarily for its juice, which has both culinary and cleaning uses.[1] The pulp and rind (zest)
are also used in cooking and baking. The juice of the lemon is about 5% to 6% citric acid, which
gives a sour taste. The distinctive sour taste of lemon juice makes it a key ingredient in drinks and
foods such as lemonade and lemon meringue pie.
History
See also: Citron Origin and distribution
Sugars 2.5 g
Fat 0.3 g
Protein 1.1 g
Vitamins
Vitamin B6 (6%)
0.08 mg
Vitamin C (64%)
53 mg
Minerals
Calcium (3%)
26 mg
Iron (5%)
0.6 mg
Magnesium (2%)
8 mg
Manganese (1%)
0.03 mg
Phosphorus (2%)
16 mg
Potassium (3%)
138 mg
Zinc (1%)
0.06 mg
Units
g = micrograms mg = milligrams
IU = International units
Percentages are roughly approximated
using US recommendations for adults.
Source: USDA Nutrient Database
Culinary uses
Lemon juice, rind, and zest are used in a wide variety of foods and drinks. Lemon juice is used to
make lemonade, soft drinks, and cocktails. It is used in marinades for fish, where its acid
neutralizes amines in fish by converting them into nonvolatile ammonium salts, and meat, where
the acid partially hydrolyzes tough collagen fibers, tenderizing the meat, but the low pH denatures
the proteins, causing them to dry out when cooked. Lemon juice is frequently used in the United
Kingdom to add to pancakes, especially on Shrove Tuesday.
Lemon juice is also used as a short-term preservative on certain foods that tend to oxidize and
turn brown after being sliced (enzymatic browning), such as apples, bananas, and avocados,
where its acid denatures the enzymes.
Lemon juice and rind are used to make marmalade, lemon curd and lemon liqueur. Lemon slices
and lemon rind are used as a garnish for food and drinks. Lemon zest, the grated outer rind of
the fruit, is used to add flavor to baked goods, puddings, rice, and other dishes.
The leaves of the lemon tree are used to make a tea and for preparing cooked meats and
seafoods.
Other uses
Industrial
Lemons were the primary commercial source of citric acid before the development
of fermentation-based processes.[14]
As a cleaning agent
The juice of the lemon may be used for cleaning. A halved lemon dipped in salt or baking powder
is used to brighten copper cookware. The acid dissolves the tarnish and the abrasives assist the
cleaning. As a sanitary kitchen deodorizer the juice can deodorize, remove grease, bleach stains,
and disinfect; when mixed with baking soda, it removes stains from plastic food storage
containers.[15] The oil of the lemon's peel also has various uses. It is used as a wood cleaner and
polish, where its solvent property is employed to dissolve old wax, fingerprints, and grime. Lemon
oil and orange oil are also used as a nontoxic insecticide treatment.
A halved lemon is used as a finger moistener for those counting large amounts of bills, such as
tellers and cashiers.
Medicinal
Lemon oil may be used in aromatherapy. Lemon oil aroma does not influence the human immune
system,[16] but may contribute to relaxation.[17]
Other
One educational science experiment involves attaching electrodes to a lemon and using it as
a battery to produce electricity. Although very low power, several lemon batteries can power a
small digital watch.[18] These experiments also work with other fruits and vegetables.
Lemon juice may be used as a simple invisible ink, developed by heat.[19]
Production
Country 2013
India 2.52
Mexico 2.14
Argentina 1.30
Brazil 1.17
World 15.42
In 2013, world production of lemons (data combined with limes) was 15.42 million tonnes, led by
India, Mexico and China as the main producers (table).[20] Argentina and Brazil also had significant
production (table).[20]
Lemon alternatives
Many plants taste or smell similar to lemons.