L is for …

Lemons

Fun Facts

  • Lemons have a sour taste to them! This is because they contain about 5-6% citric acid.
  • Because of the citric acid in lemons, they can also be used in cleaning. If you dip lemon segments in salt or baking powder, they can be used to brighten up metal objects.
  • Sprinkling lemon juice onto other fruits can stop them from turning brown!
  • To power a flashlight bulb, you need 500 wired lemons to conduct electricity.
  • The lemon shark is named because of its yellowish skin.

Where do we come from?

Lemons were first grown in the warmer countries in Asia, but today they have multiple uses including in different food, drinks and cleaning products.

India, Mexico, China, Argentina and Brazil are all leading growers of lemons. The plant is very sensitive to cold weather and therefore they grow best in sunny conditions with limited frost.

Test yourself! Can you locate these countries on the map?

We are good for you!

Lemons have many health benefits. Like all fruits and vegetables, they are low in sodium, calories and fat and they are also a good source of dietary fibre. But lemons are especially good for you because …

  • They contain a lot of vitamin C which is good for your skin, blood and bones.

Did you know …

… Lemons have lots of vitamin C which means that they can be used to prevent a disease called scurvy. This was very common amongst sailors who were stuck on ships for months. Now, the British Navy requires ships to carry enough lemons so that every sailor can have 1 ounce of lemon juice each a day, to prevent just that.

Get Cooking! Lemon cupcakes

These cupcakes are absolutely delicious. The fresh lemon curd core is tangy and fresh and you can keep the leftovers in the fridge for another day. Click here to see our recipe.