Lemons are a fantastic addition to your health regimen: they boast a wealth of benefits, including a high content of Vitamin C, a range of nutrients and antioxidants, and a delightful zest that enhances both culinary dishes and beverages. While many opt to keep a few lemons on hand, there's a superior method you may not be aware of: freezing them. Not only does freezing make lemons more accessible, it also enables you to utilize every facet of this fruit. Without further ado, let's delve into 10 compelling reasons why freezing lemons is a smart choice:
1) Lemon peel is the best part
Surprisingly, the lemon peel outshines the juice and flesh in terms of vitamin content—it contains ten times the vitamins. By freezing lemons, you can conveniently grate the firm fruit into your meals, ensuring you harness the skin's potent health benefits. Freezing halves can expedite the grating process.
Try freezing them in halves for easy grating.
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2) Lemons are rich in Vitamin C
Lemons are a potent source of Vitamin C, a key player in warding off colds and flu. This essential nutrient also neutralizes free radicals, countering the aging process. A single large lemon supplies a generous 53mg of Vitamin C—nearly 90% of your daily requirement.
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3) Lemons help our bodies repair
The copious Vitamin C present in lemons plays a pivotal role in collagen production, vital for the creation of new bone, blood vessels, tendons, and the healing of wounds.
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4) Lemons are more versatile when they're frozen
Freezing lemons expands their culinary potential. If you're not fond of their flavor or find them overly tart, grating frozen lemons allows for subtler incorporation into your meals. This makes them ideal for soups, salad dressings, rice and noodle dishes, or even sprinkled over yogurt, ice cream, or fruit salad.
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5) You won't need ice cubes
Cutting lemons into walnut-sized chunks prior to freezing provides an innovative alternative to ice cubes. Drop them into your water glass for a refreshing twist that keeps your drink cool.
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6) It'll save you money
Freezing lemons can also freeze your expenses. Lemons tend to be pricier when out of season, so take advantage of favorable prices and stock up. You needn't fret about their shelf life; lemons maintain their quality for three to four months in the freezer.
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7) Limonoids prevent cancer
Limonoids, natural compounds found in citrus fruits like lemons, exhibit anti-cancer properties, particularly linked to breast cancer prevention. The presence of antioxidants in lemons also fortifies their ability to combat bacterial infections, fungi, and internal parasites.
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8) Lemons alkalize your body
Balancing your body's acidity is crucial for well-being. Lemon-infused water aids in alkalizing, mitigating symptoms like acid reflux, sensitive gums, and mouth ulcers. Utilizing frozen lemons enables more precise control over the lemon-to-water ratio, delivering a gentler and refreshing flavor.
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9) Lemons are low in calories and sugar
In contrast to the sugar content of oranges, lemons boast a significantly lower sugar and calorie content. With around 29 calories and 2.9 grams of sugar per 100 grams of fruit, they are a healthier option. Monitoring sugar intake, even from natural sources, remains essential.
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10) They're perfect for drinks
- Elevate your beverage game by incorporating frozen lemon juice. Enhance cocktails and iced teas by freezing lemon juice with other wholesome add-ins like strawberries, mint leaves, or orange slices. This quick and mess-free method ensures a cool and refreshing drink experience.
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Bonus Tip: While whole lemons can be frozen for grating, sliced or chopped lemons are best prepared before freezing to prevent mushiness upon thawing. Slice or chop the fruit to your preferred size, freeze on a single layer baking tray overnight to avoid sticking, and then transfer them to a snap-lock bag. For recipes that require specific lemon parts, freeze grated rind separately or pour juice into ice trays.
Lemons, without a doubt, qualify as superfoods. Even if you lack a lemon tree in your garden, you can still enjoy their benefits with convenience. Seize the opportunity to stock up during their most economical phase, freeze them as desired, and relish the ease of infusing your cooking with fresh and healthful flavors.