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Are you aware that certain combinations with lemon should be avoided to prevent an unpleasant culinary experience?
- Written by: Ritika Sakhuja
- Updated at: Sep 22, 2023 15:40 IST
Although apples are often hailed using the colloquial ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away.’ However, the same can be said for lemons, which are packed with Vitamin C and can afford you an unbreakable immunity if consumed daily. As per a study that assessed the results of daily lemon intake in a set of people, people who consumed lemon daily had an average lifespan that was approximately 3 weeks longer compared to those who did not take lemon daily.
Beyond that, lemon is a versatile citrus fruit that also adds a zesty, refreshing flavour to a wide range of dishes and beverages. Its tartness can enhance the taste of many foods, but are you aware that certain combinations with lemon should be avoided to prevent an unpleasant culinary experience?
#1 Milk and Dairy Products
Do you know we make paneer at home? By squeezing lemon juice into hot milk. This is because lemon’s acidity can curdle milk and dairy products. The acid in lemon can destabilise the proteins in dairy, resulting in a lumpy texture. If you did not intend to make paneer, this phenomenon could be rather unpleasant.
Also, consuming milk products and lemon together can trigger acidic reactions and cause severe heartburn and acidity. So what you can do is, consider using lemon zest or a lemon-flavoured syrup when you want to introduce that sour flavour to your dairy-based desserts or sauces.
Also Read:Mixing Fruits With Milk? Know The Major Side Effects Of Combining Both
#2 Red Wine
Lemon is famously used in many co*cktails and with beer. However, lemon and red wine are not the best of friends. The acidity in lemon can clash with the tannins in red wine, resulting in an unpleasant bitter taste. That is why, using lemon in sauces or marinades made using red wine can ruin your culinary preparation. If you want to enjoy wine with your meal, go for a white wine or a wine with a more neutral flavour profile that won't clash with lemon.
#3 Highly spicy foods
Lemon is a staple condiment for most North Indian dishes, that are famously quite spicy for the average Joe. However, since lemon is acidic in nature, it can intensify the heat of spicy foods, and cause digestive discomfort. Additionally, the acidic nature of lemon can make these spicy dishes taste even spicier and tangy, which can make eating these dishes extremely uncomfortable for you.
#4 Hot food
The biggest benefit of eating lemon is the bounty of Vitamin C it provides. However, Vitamin C is extremely heat-sensitive and can be easily destroyed by heat. Hence, avoid putting lemon juice on food which is still steaming, or on the flame. You might be able to enjoy the tangy sourness of lemon in your cooked food, but none of its nutritional benefits, if you squeeze it into very hot food. Instead, let the food cool down a bit, and once it is not exuding visible steam, you can squeeze this citrusy goodness on top of your dishes.
#5 Papaya
Lemon juice is a favourite salad dressing and is often used in fruit salads to give a tangy twist to the sweetness of the fruits. However, not all fruits work well when paired with lemon. Papaya is one such fruit that causes more harm than good when paired with any citrusy fruit like oranges, grapefruits, or lemons. This is because papaya itself contains a high amount of Vitamin C, which when paired with other Vitamin C-rich sources like lemon, can cause acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach irritation.
Also Read:Have You Heard About Side-Effects Of Papaya? Know Them All
In conclusion, lemon is a wonderful ingredient that can elevate many dishes, but it's essential to be mindful of what you pair it with. Avoiding these food combinations will help you create culinary experiences where lemon doesn’t just enhance the flavours but also the health benefits of your cooking. So, the next time you're in the kitchen, keep these tips in mind to ensure your lemon-infused dishes are a delightful success.
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- #lemon
- # citrus
- # vitamin C
- # orange
- # lime
- # acidic
- # digestive discomfort
- # acidity
- # acid reflux
- # heartburn
- # lemon juice