Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: We have a lemon tree, and it now produces a lot of lemons. I’m wondering what I will do with all the fruit? – Peggy, via e-mail

Lemon juice makes a delicious and healthy substitute for salt and salad dressings. Just squeeze it on steamed vegetables, seafood and salads.

It’s also yummy in tea. A favorite tea recipe is to combine 1 to 2 teaspoons of finely chopped mint, 3 tablespoons lemon juice and three to five tea bags. Just add hot water and steep for about five minutes, strain, then add lemon and sweetener if you like.

Lemons also can be used to help keep potatoes and cauliflower white by adding it to the boiling water. Rubbing a little juice on your hands will remove odors from onions and fish.

The zest of the lemon, which is just the outside colored part of the fruit, is used in many recipes. Use a grater to remove the zest, being careful not to include the white part underneath, which can be bitter. Store the zest in plastic sandwich bags and freeze.– Heloise