lemon

A LESSON IN LEMONS

Not all lemons are created equal with face puckering tartness. The ubiquitous lemons most of us think of are actually the variety known as Eureka lemons. These can be grown year round and have a thicker rind and a tart acidic flavor. But come winter shoppers can find the Meyer lemon, a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange with a thinner skin and a sweeter taste. R&L Farms brings fabulous citrus each Thursday to North Park Farmer’s Market so stop by for a side-by-side comparison and take some home to start experimenting.

If you’re looking to get your lemon fix another way, grab a bottle of Meyer lemon infused olive oil from Bistro Blends to drizzle over sautéed veggies or try Rockstar Preserves' Vodka Lemonade Curd spread on a scone from Belen Bakery.

ROAST SHRIMP AND BROCCOLI

Adapted from a Melissa Clark recipe published in the New York Times, this dinner is easy enough for a weeknight but will still impress your guests at any dinner party, a keeper for sure!

To make the marinade combine 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil from Bistro Blends with a palmful (about 1 teaspoon) each of ground cumin, ground corriander, salt and pepper and a healthy pinch of cayenne. Cut 2 pounds of broccoli from Kawano or Suzie's Farm into florets and toss with half the marinade. Roast in a 425F oven for 10 minutes, then toss 1 pound of shrimp from Poppa's Fresh Fish with remaining marinade and the zest of one lemon from Paradise Valley Ranch and roast for 10 minutes more. Serve with lemon wedges and some ciabatta bread from Lisko Imports.

A LESSON IN LEMONS

Not all lemons are created equal with face puckering tartness. The ubiquitous lemons most of us think of are actually the variety known as Eureka lemons. These can be grown year round and have a thicker rind and a tart acidic flavor. Paradise Valley Ranch and Schaner Farms bring fabulous ones each week to the Little Italy Mercato. But come winter shoppers can find the Meyer lemon, a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange with a thinner skin and a sweeter taste. Check out Polito or Heritage Family Farms for a side-by-side comparison and take some home to start experimenting. We even spied some sweet Persian lemons at Polito Family Farms last Saturday, which as the name implies, are sweet and very low acid.

If you’re looking to get your lemon fix another way, try the organic lavender lemonade popsicle from Viva Pops or grab a bottle of Meyer lemon infused olive oil from Bistro Blends to drizzle over sautéed veggies. Olive Oil Café has gluten-free lemon bars and Bread & Cie makes a delightful Lemon Pugliese loaf.