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Lemon -The Thirst Quenching Citrus Fruit

Lemon originated in Asian countries such as India and Malaysia. Alexander introduced the thirst quenching lemon to Europe and Middle East during the third century. Later Arab traders popularised the fruit to other tropical countries. Now lemons are cultivated world wide. Lemons or lime fall into the citrus fruits. The scientific name for lemon is citrus limon. In India it is also known as limbu, Bara nimbu, nyomb, naranga, yelumichai payam etc.



The lemon plant is short, thorny shrub or bush and requires tropical climate for its optimal growth. The rind is dark green and ripening turns yellow. The fruit is juicy with few seeds and is very aromatic. The juicy pale yellow acid flesh never fails to awaken and refresh the taste buds due to its mouth watering acid sweet taste.

It is a soothing drink in summer as well as in disease conditions such as fever, diarrhoea etc. Lime is used as appetiser and antiscorbutic other than cookery use. It is also used in cosmetics therapy.

Scurvy is a disease due to the deficiency of vitamin C and characterised by body aches, bleeding gums etc. Earlier there was a law making it mandatory to carry lemon by English sailors on their long voyages to protect them from scurvy. Due to this relation ship between lime and this disorder they used to refer this condition as "limey."

Storage and selection
Lemons can be stored and transported to long distance, as they do not damage easily. They can be stored at room temperature for weeks and for months under refrigeration. While buying, choose a lemon that is firm and heavy for their size. Lemon becomes pale as they over ripen and lose some juiciness and acidity. Buy deep yellow fruit with unblemished skin and avoid light yellow fruit.

Nutrition
Lemons are rich in vitamin C. They are low in calories and high in potassium content. 100 grams of lemon gives only 57 kcal of energy and 0.9 gram of fat and have 1.7 grams of fibre. These properties of lemon make it a suitable refreshing drink for all including calorie watchers.