Produce of the Month - Lemon

The produce of the month for August is a versatile fruit which can enhance the flavour of many meals, snacks and beverages. The produce of the month is lemon. Lemons not only enhance the flavour of many meals and drinks but also give your body a range of health benefits.

The first is being a good source of vitamin C. A lemon contains around 35mg of vitamin C which is over half of your recommended daily intake needs. Vitamin C supports an optimal immune system function and is needed to make the protein collagen. Collagen keeps with tendons and ligaments strong and helps to keep your skin looking youthful. Vitamin C also helps your body to absorb more plant based non-haem iron.

Lemons are a good source of fibre. Fibre is not only needed to support the function of your gut but also to feed the health promoting microbes in your gut which help to keep your body function optimally. Adding fibre to a meal or snack can also help to slow the release of sugar from your blood and promotes healthy blood pressure.

Some ideas on ways you can use lemon is on top of a Corn Thins slice topped with mashed avocado and tomato, add to a summer salad, or add into a fruit juice. There is also a library of desserts which have lemons as the star ingredient such as a lemon tart. Make friends with this versatile fruit over August as it is in season and at its best.