This article provides an overview of Lemon, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make for great Lemon substitutes.
What is Lemon?
Lemon is a yellow fruit produced by the lemon tree, which is native to Northeast India and Northern Myanmar, and China. The fruit is used for both culinary and non-culinary purposes worldwide and is primarily used for its juice, peel, and rind.
Lemons are added to both sweet and savory dishes, with the slices often used as a garnish and the zest used to add flavor to baked goods. Lemon is also used to add acidity to a dish to help balance the flavors.
What does Lemon taste like?
The juice of a lemon has around 5-6% of citric acid and a pH of around 2.2, which gives it that distinct sour and tarty taste. The strong flavor can be described as rather harsh and bitter, therefore it is not often eaten by itself but added to foods and drinks to enhance flavors and aromas.
Is Lemon readily available in Supermarkets?
Lemons should be readily available in supermarkets and local fruit and vegetable stores. They are usually found next to limes and other citrus fruits such as oranges or mandarines.
What are some alternative names for Lemon?
There are no common alternative names for lemon.
What is a good substitute for Lemon in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for lemon. These include:
- Lemon Extract and Lemon Juice make for great substitutes
- Limes, lime juice, or lime zest also work very well
- If being used as a marinade, you can use any other citrus fruit
- If simply being used to add acidity to a dish, rather than flavor, you can substitute lemon for a splash of white wine vinegar or white vinegar
What cuisines is Lemon used in?
Lemon is a citrus fruit that is widely used in many cuisines around the world. It has a tangy and refreshing flavor and is used in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some cuisines where lemon is commonly used:
Mediterranean Cuisine
Lemon is a staple ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in Greek and Lebanese cuisine. It is used to make dishes such as tabbouleh, which is a salad made with parsley, bulgur wheat, and lemon juice, and avgolemono, which is a Greek soup made with chicken, rice, and lemon juice.
Italian Cuisine
Lemon is also used in Italian cuisine, particularly in dishes such as risotto and pasta dishes. It is also used to make limoncello, which is a lemon liqueur that is often served as a digestif.
Southeast Asian Cuisine
Lemon is used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. It is used to make dishes such as tom yum soup, which is a spicy and sour soup made with lemongrass, lime, and chili, and nuoc cham, which is a Vietnamese dipping sauce made with lime, fish sauce, and chili.
Indian Cuisine
Lemon is a common ingredient in Indian cuisine and is used to add acidity and freshness to dishes. It is used in dishes such as dal, chutneys, and curries.
Middle Eastern Cuisine
Lemon is also used in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in Moroccan and Tunisian cuisine. It is used to make dishes such as tagines, which are slow-cooked stews made with meat and vegetables, and harira, which is a traditional soup made with lentils, chickpeas, and lemon juice.