Welcome to our weekly series where we’ll let you know what fruit and vegetables are market fresh this week, give you handy storage tips and recipes to make the most of seasonal produce.
Lemons are generally in season in Australia throughout the year, but peak production and availability are during the Winter months. The most popular lemon varieties are Eureka and Meyer, which are harvested throughout the year.
When choosing lemons, look for bright yellow colour, smooth skin and a firmness which gives slightly when squeezed, indicating good juiciness. Avoid lemons with pale colour, blemishes, or rough wrinkled skin as they are likely to be older and less juicy.
A heavier lemon for its size is also a good sign of a juicy, flavourful fruit.
The best way to store lemons for an extended period is to refrigerate them in an airtight container or resealable bag in the crisper drawer. For longer storage, lemons can also be frozen whole or as slices – lemon juice can be frozen in ice cube trays.
Lemons are sensitive to ethylene gas, so avoid storing them near ripening fruit such as apples, melons or bananas. Also, avoid storing them in direct sunlight as this can cause them to dry out.
Offering numerous health benefits due to their high vitamin C content and other beneficial compounds, lemons can boost immunity, aid in digestion and even help prevent kidney stones.
Additionally, lemons may contribute to heart health and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Lemon water can be a refreshing and healthy way to stay hydrated, which is essential for various bodily functions; while the vitamin C in the fruit helps produce collagen, a protein important for healthy skin, and may help reduce the appearance of blemishes and age spots.
Here are three recipes to put fresh and in-season lemons on the table this week:
Complete with aromatic oregano, creamy feta and zingy lemon, this roast potato recipe is a delicious vegetarian side. Pair it with your favourite protein for a hearty, comfort weeknight dinner during Autumn.
Based on great-value staples, this brightly flavoured prawn risoni dish goes to show that you can enjoy seafood without blowing the budget.
Zingy lemon curd and sweet and tart blackberries make this brioche pudding extra special. Enjoy with whipped cream and the last bit of lemon curd.
