2. Lemon juice helps you avoid sticky rice
Do you have a problem with lumpy rice? You're in luck: adding a few drops of lemon juice to the cooking water will prevent the rice from sticking together. Clark-Hibbs points out onestudy published in July 2019 inInternational food researchshowing that ascorbic acid helps improve the texture and stickiness of stored rice, which is rice that has been kept dry for one or more years and tends to be stickier than fresh rice. The evidence that this works on fresh rice is more anecdotal than scientific. “However, many cultures use a few drops of lemon juice (about ¼ teaspoon) in their rice cooking water to promote light, fluffy, and bright white rice grains,” says Clark-Hibbs.
3. Lemon peel keeps brown sugar soft - and saves you straining
The juice is not the only useful part of the lemon; the super moist and flavorful peel can also work wonders in the kitchen. Add a piece of the peel (with the pulp completely removed) to your box of brown sugar to prevent it from clumping and hardening. “The molasses in brown sugar will evaporate over time, leading to dehydration,” saysMelissa Rifkin, RD, CDN, a Mount Kisco, New York-based nutritionist and health expert forSap Plus+. “The lemon zest can add some moisture and oil to keep your brown sugar soft and slow the rate at which it can harden.” This way, the next time you make a batch of cookies, you won't have to aim.
4. Lemon juice makes perfect hard-boiled eggs
Try brushing the eggshells with lemon juice before adding them to the pan to ensure the shells don't crack. This is an anecdotal hack rather than one that supports a study, Rifkin says, but if you're constantly dealing with grenades breaking before you're ready, it's worth a try. Apply this technique before enjoying the eggs in ourRecipe for healthy Deviled Eggs.
5. Lemon juice can promote healthy skin
The benefits of lemon also extend to your beauty regimen. “Your skin can benefit from lemons ever sinceresearchshows that the vitamin C in lemons promotes collagen synthesis,” says Sackmann. “Adding lemon juice to your water [when washing your face] promotes hydration, boosts vitamin C and helps fight inflammation, which can benefit your skin health.” This is why you may see lemon as an ingredient in skin care products.
6. Lemon juice tenderizes the meat and makes it even tastier
Lemon juice is a great meat tenderizer; according to the acidity, the protein fibers in meat are gently broken downScience Learning Center. It leaves it wonderfully fork tender. “You can simply brush a piece of meat with lemon juice for at least an hour before cooking to improve tenderness,” says Rifkin. "You want to coat the meat quite well, so you may need the juice of a whole lemon per pound of meat." The longer the meat sits in the lemon juice, the more likely it is to become tender, she says. Taste the difference the next time you cook a steak on your grill.
7. Lemon juice improves the taste of your food - no need to add salt
A little lemon can totally transform a meal, brightening creamier dishes and balancing the flavors of seafood. “The acidic quality of lemon juice lights up everything it touches,” says Sackmann. Clark-Hibbs adds that it also works well to enhance bitter or sweet flavors. It has so much flavor that it also works as a sodium-free substitute for salt, says Lawrence. This is perfect for people with high blood pressure and anyone who wants to prepare healthier dishes without sacrificing taste.
8. Lemon juice is a daily cleaning agent
The acid in lemon has an antimicrobial effect, making it a natural cleaner. “To make a cleaning solution, combine 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with 1 cup of water,” says Rifkin. "You can also add a tablespoon or two of vinegar for extra cleaning power." Use this solution to clean cutting boards, windows, stoves and some countertops. However, be careful with certain materials, such as a marble countertop. “The acid in lemon can damage some materials,” says Rifkin. Clark-Hobbs also likes to use lemons to clean the microwave or oven, where food and grease build up over time. “Place a lemon slice in a bowl of water, heat it until the water is hot or boiling, and let it sit for a few minutes,” she says. "This makes it very easy to microwave or oven dry out. Plus, it helps remove unwanted odors, leaving your kitchen smelling fresh and clean."
9. Lemon juice can repair your hair
You may be familiar with itUse lemon juice to lighten your hair, although this is not recommended as it may lead to injury. But it can be used in other ways in other hair products, such as shampoo. Citric acid opens the cuticle of the hair, allowing deeper penetration. This is why lemons can be used to correct hair styling grease, such as wash-out wax or hair dye.
