Preserved Lemons

The versatile lemon plays an integral role in the culinary process – the skin seeds, juice and flesh all contribute in their own right and collectively to the chemistry of food. The lemon activates change – it is the revolutionary of the food world. The lemon has a major role as a flavour enhancer and it doesn’t come out of a bottle! As a fresh ingredient, the lemon has great longevity or shelf life but, of course, it is best when freshly picked and ripe. Many cuisines of the world use the lemon to balance richness, to preserve food or to add a necessary zest or lift to a dish. In addition, the lemon is a wonderful source of vitamin C, a most necessary part of our diet. Maximise resources during times of abundance and preserve lemons when they are at their best, and enjoy their special characters through to the next season. Often used in conjunction with aromatic spices and herbs, preserved lemons provide an antidote to the richness of meat and the oiliness of fish and olives, at the same time as transforming an acceptable dish into a taste sensation.