Lemons are anything but ordinary—they're incredibly versatile. Whether you're squeezing their juice or grating their zest into dishes, lemons add a zingy flavour that works wonders in both sweet and savoury recipes.
Especially during winter, lemons shine for their health benefits. Packed with Vitamin C, they boost your immune system and help your body absorb iron better, keeping you healthy and strong.
But there are more health benefits when consuming lemons. They're loaded with over 170 different plant compounds, which do more than just provide Vitamin C. Studies show that citrus fruits might lower the risk of certain cancers and even reduce the chances of heart disease and stroke.
Because of their high Vitamin C content, they are excellent for general heart health. However, Vitamin C is not the only nutrient known to be beneficial to the heart. Lemon fibre and plant components may also considerably reduce certain risk factors for heart disease. Studies say that eating a daily dose of 24 grams of citrus fibre extract will lower overall blood cholesterol levels.
When winter is coming and the air is getting dryer and colder, dry and patchy skin can be a common issue. Citrus fruits can assist you with that as well, leaving your skin bright and moisturised. Vitamin C promotes collagen production, helping to keep your skin firm and smooth, while antioxidants fight free radicals that can damage skin cells and contribute to dryness and ageing.
While consuming lemons provides a healthy dose of Vitamin C for your skin from the inside out, it's also beneficial to incorporate Vitamin C into your skincare routine. Our Vitamin C + Serum is perfect for winter skin, packed with Vitamin C to brighten and hydrate.
Lemons are a great addition to muffins, desserts, in salads or on grilled vegetables. Also, try and mix some Lemon juice into your water or tea for a refreshing twist. Be creative and try out some new recipes with lemon.
Who doesn't love pasta? No one! Well, I got the got the ultimate pasta recipe for you, with, of course, fresh lemons:
Julia's Creamy Lemon Pasta
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti or Tagliattelli
- 1-2 Lemons
- Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons of Butter or Margarine (for a vegan option)
- 2 cloves of Garlic
- 1 Onion
- Fresh Basil
- A splash of thickened cream
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Chilli for a bit of spice
- Cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the instructions on the package. Reserve some of the pasta water after cooking.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until they are softened and fragrant.
- Once the onions and garlic are cooked, add the butter or margarine to the pan and allow it to melt, adding a rich and creamy texture to the sauce.
- Chop fresh basil leaves and add them to the sauce, infusing it with their aromatic flavour.
- Squeeze the juice from the lemons into the pan, being careful to catch any seeds. Stir the sauce to combine all the ingredients.
- Add a splash of thickened cream to the sauce, stirring well to incorporate and create an even creamier texture.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding salt and pepper to taste. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add some chopped chilli for a spicy kick.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy lemon sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- If desired, sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top of the pasta before serving for an extra layer of flavour
Serve the creamy lemon pasta hot, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy this delicious and tangy dish as a comforting meal any time of the day!