Lemons

Available from the Fruit & Vegetables Counter by Charles Attard at Arkadia Foodstore Gozo

Cleaning with Lemons

Lemons are versatile and can be used for cleaning in various ways due to their natural acidity and fresh scent. Here are some ideas:

1. All-purpose cleaner: Make a simple all-purpose cleaner by mixing equal parts water and lemon juice in a spray bottle. This solution can be used to clean countertops, sinks, and other surfaces.

2. Lemon and baking soda scrub: Mix lemon juice with baking soda to create a paste. This paste can be used to scrub and clean surfaces like stainless steel sinks, cutting boards, and grout.

3. Microwave cleaner: Place a bowl of water with lemon slices in the microwave and heat it for a few minutes. The steam will help loosen any stuck-on food, making it easier to wipe away.

4. Stainless steel cleaner: Rub a cut lemon directly onto stainless steel surfaces to remove stains and water spots. Then, wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth.

5. Glass cleaner: Mix lemon juice with water in a spray bottle for a natural glass cleaner. Spray onto windows and mirrors, then wipe clean with a lint-free cloth for streak-free shine.

6. Cutting board deodorizer: After cleaning your cutting board with soap and water, rub the surface with a cut lemon to deodorize and disinfect.

7. Laundry booster: Add lemon juice to the rinse cycle of your laundry to brighten whites and remove stains. Be cautious with coloured fabrics, as lemon juice may cause discolouration.

8. Refrigerator deodorizer: Place a bowl of lemon slices or cotton balls soaked in lemon juice in the refrigerator to absorb odours and keep it smelling fresh.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but there are many other ways to incorporate lemons into your cleaning routine. Always spot-test on a small area before using lemon-based cleaners on surfaces to ensure compatibility.

Cooking with Lemons

Recipe: Lemon Bars

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

For the lemon filling:

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

A wide variety of quality ingredients for our recipes are available from Arkadia supermarkets in Malta and Gozo, including Arkadia FoodExpress Swatar and Arkadia Food Market Valletta.

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C and grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar for the crust until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

3. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.

4. While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.

5. Once the crust is done baking, pour the lemon filling over the hot crust.

6. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.

7. Remove the lemon bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the baking dish.

8. Once cooled, dust the top of the lemon bars with powdered sugar.

9. Cut into squares and serve.

Fun Facts

• Lemons are technically berries.
• Lemons used to be so rare that kings used to present them to each other as gifts.
• During the Renaissance, the juice of a lemon was used by women to redden their lips.
• If you wire 500 lemons, you can conduct electricity to power a flashlight bulb.
• Lemon was a common choice of name in the 1900’s.

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