When All You Have Is Lemons...
By Anjela Boyd

Lemon: round, yellow, acidic citrus fruit. Well not quite! Lemons are primarily used for the tart juice that resides within the bitter rind, though the rind is used as well. These juicy little beings are most commonly used for culinary purposes in various ways and are very popular with bakers.

Lemon juice is only about 5% acidic which is why they are so, so tart. Not only is this delicacy ideal for adding tartness to favorite foods and drinks, but lemons also lend very well to more interesting uses such as science experiments where an inexpensive acid is needed.

Early usage of lemons consisted mainly in the arena of medicinal and ornamental purposes. Thanks to Christopher Columbus for bringing those seeds to America when he sailed over the Atlantic. A few hundred years later, those of us in California and Florida caught on to the ways of the lemon, and began cultivating them and thus grew interest in the culinary aspect of this unique and versatile fruit.

Hence the phrase, "when all you have are lemons, make lemonade." However, while you are at it go ahead and tenderize your meat, flavor your fish, or enhance a beverage and oh yes…Limon cello! Good times to be sure!

What else can you do with them you ask? You can power electricity with the acid, use the juice as a sanitizer, a deodorizer, or a cleaning agent. The oil from lemons can be extracted for the use as a wood treatment for restoration purposes. Lemons will remove grease, rust, work as a stain remover, and when they are mixed with baking soda, they can help to remove those inevitable stains from plastic ware. Yes…go green, or yellow.

On a personal note, lemons have many uses. Want highlights, grab a lemon. Got acne, they are good for that as well. Some even believe that these amazing citric creatures can be used as a skin lightener. But don't quote me on that.

So exactly how do you use it for purposes of beauty enhancement? Here a few ideas.
Brush lemon juice on select sections of your hair or spray all over for more coverage and spend a little time in the glorious sun. Don't forget the SPF. The results will provide subtle highlights to your hair. Remember to use a good conditioner afterwards to combat any residual dryness that may occur.

Lemon compliments just about any seafood, in addition, lemon butter enhances a myriad of vegetables. For grilling fish and poultry experiment with placing lemon slices on the grill and then put the meat on top to prevent sticking and adding great flavor.
Lemons by themselves represent freshness to any kitchen, even by themselves in a bowl.

As an American staple, lemons are the quintessential element to all culinary endeavors. Whether used in a fresh pitcher of lemonade on a hot summer day, or as a garnish for a huge market lobster, this remarkable fruit has proven its' many adoring qualities.