Lemon, Lemon

It was later introduced to Persia and then to Iraq and Egypt around AD 700. The lemon was first recorded in literature in a tenth century Arabic treatise on farming, and was also used as an ornamental plant in early Islamic gardens.

The first real lemon cultivation in Europe began in Genoa in the middle of the fifteenth century.

Spanish conquest throughout the New World helped spread lemon seeds. It was mainly used as ornament and medicine.

Many mixed drinks, soft drinks, iced tea, and water are often served with a wedge or slice of lemon in the glass or on the rim. The average lemon contains approximately 3 tablespoons of juice. Allowing lemons to come to room temperature before squeezing (or heating briefly in a microwave) makes the juice easier to extract.

The grated rind of the lemon, called lemon zest, is used to add flavor to baked goods, puddings, rice and other dishes. Pickled lemons are a Moroccan delicacy. A liqueur called limoncello is made from lemon rind.

Among them are Cymbopogon (lemon grass), lemon balm, lemon thyme, lemon verbena, scented geranium, certain cultivars of basil, and certain cultivars of mint.

Source: Wikipedia > Lemon