On July 23, National Lemon Day squeezes its way into our day just in time to celebrate our summertime festivities. This tart fruit brings vibrant, citrus notes to salads, drinks, and even savoury dishes. Read on to find out why so many people love the taste of lemon during the summertime and learn some lemony history, too.
Lemons are believed to be native to South Asia, although some say they may have originated in Northeast India. Citron, which is similar to a lemon, was the first of the citrus family. In fact, Citron is found in a Persian garden near Jerusalem said to be at least 2,500 years old. Some time between the late 1st century BC and early 1st century AD, Citron made its way to Rome. Interestingly, lemons were never used in food or drink by the Romans during this early time period. It seems Romans instead used this citrus tree for decoration and the pleasant odour.
It would take at least 400 years for the contemporary lemon to appear as an abundant tree. Around 700 AD, lemons became a part of trade in Europe and reached the Americas by the 1400s. Hispanics receive credit for bringing lemons into the U.S. by the early 1700s. Today, lemons are found all over the world as part of our culinary creations and for medicinal uses.
Lemons add delightful citrus tones to culinary creations ranging from sauces to salads. In fact, the juice of the lemon makes a great meat tenderizer. Beyond creating delicious edible delights, lemons are also used in a variety of beverages ranging from lemonade to iced tea. Interestingly, lemon also has other uses besides adding flavour to our lives. Lemons can be used to:
- kill weeds
- remove stains
- cleans and shines chrome
- keeps squirrels away
- keeps white clothes clean
- removes scratches in wood
- aids in digestion
- reduces inflammation in the joints
- eliminates bad breath
Celebrating National Lemon Day
- The best way to celebrate National Lemon Day is to add lemons to your entire day!
- Wearing your best lemon-themed attire.
- Drink lemon beverages, bake with lemons, and clean with lemons, too.
- Make a homemade lemon scrub and treat yourself to a personal spa bath.
- You may wish to share your lemon recipes and household hacks using lemons on social media using the hashtag #NationalLemonDay.
History Behind National Lemon Day
National Day Calendar created National Lemon Day in 2024 to celebrate the vibrant, citrus notes lemons bring to our summertime festivities. Each year on July 23, we invite everyone to join in the celebration for the oldest citrus fruit in the world--the lemon.
Words above taken from article seen here
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Lemons : Bring a touch of sunshine to your kitchen : see the post including some recipes hereAll the best Jan
35 comments:
I have a friend who has a fruit themed party each August. This year her theme is lemon. Everyone brings something to eat or drink that relates to the fruit. Last year was peaches which was a bit tough so I am looking forward to lemons. You got to love them.
A fabulous post. I love lemons. Both my daughter and I eat them plain. I use them in all kinds of cooking. Have I been living under a rock or are your websites new? I have opened them both and will be checking them out this evening. Thanks Jan.
Jan, I always have fresh lemons in the fridge and enjoyed reading more about them than I knew before, thanks.
Dear Jan, I do love lemons! Thank you so much for showcasing this!
Me gusta el linón. Te mando un beso.
What an interesting post all about lemons.
This is so interesting. I would not have guessed that they originated in Asia. Lemons are so pretty, and so useful!
Of course there's a lemon day! I just didn't know about it...but I do love lemons...especially lemon bars! Yum.
I have to say I love lemon. Real lemons bother my stomach, but lemon flavor - that is my thing. I enjoyed this.
Just checking if you received my last comment.
Interesting about lemons, in Ljubljana where I live it's hard to get a really nice lemon, in stores they sell everything frozen, rotten, and then you wonder about your health when you eat that... really sad!
Have a nice weekend!
On my profile, there’s now a new blog with photos... You’re warmly INVITED!
we love lemons, especially in the summer. i like sweet lemon treats, lemon bars and lemonade . i also cook a lot with lemons!!
How interesting and I often have a lemon drink a hot one, and plaster lemon all over the fish.
I love lemon :-))
I’m going to buy some lemons again today... they’re so good, and great for cleaning, too!
Thanks for the reminder and the tips.
Have a cozy weekend, hugs Elke
I love lemon, lemon pie, lemon bars and lemon in my water.
Take care , have a great day!
I have the book "Gennaro's Limoni - Gennaro Contaldo", some yummy recipes!
...adds some tang!
Here's to lemons!
Lemons are perfect for sauces to salads as you mentioned. In Italy we like it with some fishes. Not to mention of Italian Lemon Cake.
You are making my mouth water! I'm hungry for something lemony! Hugs!
Lemons are luscious. I love them.
Lemons are wonderful in cooking and in garnishing water or tea
Gosh, Jan. This was chock full of info. I'm going to add to my vinegar spray to kill the weeds--which are numerous and plentiful:)
Sounds like an "Arnold Palmer Day" to me.
What an interesting post. I love lemons, but I didn't know any of what is included here!
I use a lemon most days together with ginger as a drink.
I do enjoy a fresh lemonade on a hot day :). Haven't had any this year yet though.
Interesting post Jan, i didn't realise there was a National Lemon Day. I love Lemons and use them a lot in cooking, thanks for the extra tips on cleaning
Avril x
excellent post, thank you for this interesting information. I love both lemons and oranges.
My lemon trees are thriving in this hot weather - but still no fruit yet. X
Dare I say lemons are one of my favorite fruits? Yes, when used in cooking or baking anything!
It seems that lemons are a very versatile and useful fruit. I have used them for cleaning but mostly I prefer them in lemon drizzle cakes or homemade lemonade. Delicious!
Great article! I love lemons and have a slice in my water every time. Thanks Jan and all the best, Denise :)
No conocía el día del limón, me encantó saberlo. Besos.
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