Lately we’ve seen a post floating around the social networks recommending that people use all parts of the lemon, instead of only using the juice and pulp and then tossing the peel. At RH, we always encourage using all parts of produce (e.g. instead of spitting out those watermelon seeds, chew away – there are plenty of benefits), so we were immediately on board with this suggestion.
Basically, the idea is that you wash your lemon, place it in the freezer, and once frozen grate the lemon and sprinkle over your food (from salad to ice cream). You’ll get all of those vitamin c benefits – five to ten times more than just the juice itself! And the result is a detoxifying, cancer-fighting, antibacterial ingredient to add to your plate, which also helps to boost mood, relieve stress, and even regulate blood pressure!
BUT – what if the lemon is not organic? And what if it is organic – do you still need to wash it? And how?
- First and foremost, we always recommend organic food. When you buy organic you are investing in your health, and you are not supporting unsustainable farming practices which pollute our air, soil, and water.
- If you cannot find organic produce, we recommend that you grow your own organic! Check out our friends at Garden Eats for great tips on growing – and you can see our lemon tree! But, do be mindful of where you get your seeds.
- You’ll be happy to know that a good wash under water is just as effective as any other style of washing produce. There is no need for any fancy, store-bought veggie wash or a homemade vinegar solution. According to the latest research, all you need is a little water and some gentle scrubbing to get your produce cleaned up and ready for consumption.
So, that really only leaves one last question – on which food will you add lemon zest?
In wellness,
Lauren
