"One is wise to cultivate the tree that bears fruit in our soul."
Henry David Thoreau, poet (1817 - 1862)

Sometimes the simplest things can bring beauty and enjoyment to your life. Take the lemon, for example. Lemons are natural refreshers in the hot summer months and there are many ways to take advantage of their native properties. California and Arizona are the largest producers of lemons in the U.S., according to Sunkist.com, producing around 95 percent of America's crop. The two major varieties of lemons are Lisbon and Eureka, but they're so similar that even the experts have a hard time telling them apart. The Meyer Lemon, discovered by Frank N. Meyer in 1908 is thought to be a cross between a lemon and an orange or mandarin. Lemons have long had a prominent place in history. According to lore, the ladies of Louis XIV’s (1638-1715) court loved to bite lemons to keep their lips seductively red and the Romans valued lemons as an antidote to all poisons. Here are some ways to take advantage of the fact that lemons are available year-round.

Lemony Tips:

1. Highlight Your Hair. When I was growing up, my blonde friends would use lemon mixed with a little salt and water, then go out in the sun, to naturally "streak" their hair. We brunettes never tried it, but I remember it worked well for blonde hair. It can be drying, so I don't recommend trying it too often.
2. Make Lemonade. You've probably heard the old saying, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." Squeezing lemon juice into your water can make it taste and smell better. Adding a little natural sweetener, such as stevia, will cut the tartness, if desired. Freeze lemon juice in ice trays and add those to your water - refreshing!
3. Liven Up Your Veggies. After sauteing my veggies, I like to squeeze fresh lemon over them to bring out the color and flavor. A little sprinkle of sea salt from the grinder adds just the right touch, too.
4. Thin Your Salad Dressing. Cut your salad dressing portion by thinning it with fresh, squeezed lemon juice. The dressing will spread more uniformly throughout your salad so you'll use less.
5. Remove Cooking Odors. Rubbing your hands with lemons dipped in salt can help to remove cooking odors such as garlic, onions, fish and more. Which would you rather smell like - fish or lemons?

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