Lemon

There is an opinion that an exotic tree was formed in nature on its own, underwent a gradual development and grew as a separate type of citrus crop. A variety of information about the country of origin of the product is contradictory. It is assumed that it was originally grown in Northeast India, Southeast Asia and China. According to studies of the system of hereditary information, the studied genus of the Rutov family is a hybrid of citrus plants known in antiquity.

In the 2nd century BC, the product came to Southern Italy, but did not find wide recognition there. Popularity came to him through the foreign trade of the ancient Romans. They learned about an unusual fruit in Persia, Iraq and Egypt. Agricultural records of the 10th century contain information about its cultivation in Arab countries as a food product and a beautiful plant for decorating garden and park areas. In the 9th century, after the raids of the Arabs and Berbers, exotic trees began to be cultivated in southern Spain and Sicily, which allowed the sour fruit to conquer the Mediterranean and the Arab countries. It began to be grown on a large scale in the capital of Liguria in the middle of the 15th century. The plant was brought to America by Christopher Columbus. The Spanish navigator independently planted seedlings on the islands he discovered. A few centuries later, the overseas culture took root well in Florida and California due to the subtropical climate of these states.

The plant came to Russia in the middle of the 17th century. It was brought by merchants from Holland in the form of seedlings. The unusual tree was recognized at the court as a great value and a special caretaker was assigned to it. The re-distribution of the exotic berry in the Russian state happened two centuries later, during its import from Georgia.

✅ Juicy pulp contains a large amount of useful acids, sugars, vitamins, minerals, biologically active substances, anticoagulants, organic compounds, polysaccharides. The bright peel is rich in aromatic oils that have powerful bactericidal properties. The stable form of ascorbic acid does not lose its original volume when heated and retains its medicinal properties even when combined with hot liquids.

✅ Modern medicine recognizes that the fragrant berry contains a large number of useful low molecular weight compounds that have antioxidant, antibacterial, antitumor, hypotensive properties. Ascorbic acid is often included in the composition of antiviral drugs. Scientists have found that fresh juice inhibits the reproduction of streptococci, pneumococci, staphylococci, diphtheria bacillus.

✅ Alternative medicine uses the fruit for seborrheic dermatitis, colds, increased acidity of the stomach, and also recommends the quality of a diuretic and sedative.

✅ Oriental medicine, based on the evidence-based therapy of the medieval scientist and practitioner Avicenna, uses juice for diseases of the heart, liver and toxicosis during pregnancy.

✅ Ancient Chinese medicine used the fruit for skin lesions, bacterial lesions of the lungs and scurvy. In some countries, a piece of fruit was applied directly to the affected area on the body.

✅ In the states of North Africa, Asia Minor and Western Asia, small berry slices were added to food to prevent cholera, strengthen the immune system, and increase the body’s resistance.

In the XV analysis, the Armenian specialist in the survey of sciences Amirdov Amasiatsi in a scientific publication on the high medicinal properties of ascorbic acid. At the beginning of the 20th century, L. Gdansky and K. Drexler published large-scale studies on optimal therapy with freshly squeezed juice. Today’s science supports the attention to the healing qualities of the famous citrus. Well-known Japanese research experts in their work provided information that its systematic consumption of food has a positive effect on blood pressure. In 2002, Dutch scientists, as a result of a practical study, confirmed the healing properties of the zest and the expediency of its use in cholesterol-lowering preparations. In 2005, Indian scientists provided information on the presence of hesperidin in the product, which can restore the natural function of the liver.

Despite the huge list of useful properties, excessive passion for fruit can lead to negative reactions. Who needs to be careful when eating fruit or using it in cosmetology?

❌ People with diseases of the digestive system. The presence of a large amount of acid in the pulp requires its moderate use in pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

❌ Persons with light skin prone to irritation. In order to avoid a painful burn and the occurrence of an allergic reaction, it is contraindicated for blondes to carry out cosmetic manipulations using juice outdoors in direct sunlight.

It should be remembered that even absolutely healthy people are advised to observe moderation in food in order to avoid undesirable consequences.

Most often, fragrant citrus is not perceived as independent food due to the presence of a large amount of acid in it. But few people know that lemons are divided into several varieties with distinctive taste characteristics.

• The fine, dark green appearance has a true sour taste.
• The most popular variety is sweet juicy berries with a thin skin.
• Thick-skinned representatives with oily zest are characterized by deep flavors and a large number of seeds.

The acidity of citrus fruits by the end of autumn is 8%, and by the middle of spring it does not exceed 5%.

They use sour fruit in such a way as to extract the maximum of useful substances from it and get the greatest gastronomic pleasure.

• In combination with a variety of products. The citrus fruit is considered an ideal player in any culinary team. Salads are seasoned with juice. Refreshing liquid enhances the taste of fruits and vegetables, harmonizes perfectly with seafood delicacies, reduces the high fat content of the dish. Mixed drinks, light cocktails, fine liqueurs are prepared on the basis of juice, in which natural honey, cinnamon, mint, fruit nectars are added. When black tea is combined with freshly squeezed fruit liquid, the healing substances of the invigorating drink and natural ascorbic acid are successfully combined. This popular and proven tool for centuries helps to resist viruses during the off-season and strong epidemics.

• In a natural way. Fresh juice is diluted with pure water and drunk to replenish the body with natural vitamins, lower high temperatures, restore the functioning of the kidneys and joints in case of impaired metabolism. To combat colds, crushed pulp and peel are mixed with grated ginger and honey.

• Like diet food. Citrus fruit is an important component of a huge number of recipes designed to remove harmful substances from the body and improve metabolic processes. Especially popular is the regular intake of lemon water, specific dietary nutrition, unique aromatherapy according to the system of the American doctor of medical sciences Alan Hirsch. There is a scheme of the 19th century Austrian naturopath Johann Schroth, aimed at removing accumulated toxic substances from the body through fresh juice.

• As a culinary product. The bright taste and refreshing aroma of the fruit is appreciated by cooks in public institutions and true gourmets in everyday life. The rich yellow zest works well in rich pastries, custard puddings, and a variety of pastry creams. Juicy fruits are suitable for making homemade marmalade and jam, delicate candied fruits, fruit ice cream, spicy sauces. Sour juice is an important component of the marinade for meat or fish, a significant component of dressing for various salads. Thinly sliced fruit is served as a light snack with alcohol. Thick-skinned varieties are good for making delicious candied fruits. One of the famous Moroccan delicacies is salted lemons. The refined product is used as a flavoring additive to various restaurant dishes.

Citrus fruits keep well in the refrigerator. It is advisable to keep them in the vegetable compartment. For packaging use paper or polyethylene. To extend the shelf life helps to immerse the fruit for a few seconds in well-melted paraffin or lay it in boxes with calcined sand.

It should be remembered that long-term storage reduces the useful properties of the product, since over time a significant part of ascorbic acid turns into sugar. It is recommended to cover the cut fruit to prevent the destruction of vitamin C under the action of light and air.

The collected data is intended to form a complete look at an interesting exotic product that has become a symbol of health and prosperity in many countries of the world.