Simple ways to get more enjoyment from the world’s sunniest fruit.

I think it would be hard not to love the lemon.  That clean, crisp smell.  A taste like summer itself.   And no matter how you slice it, the lemon has become an integral part of our lives–from cooking to cleaning to cocktails, and everything in between.

Especially when it comes to the culinary arts, lemon is so versatile.  It can brighten up almost any dish or recipe.  So even though you probably already know the old standards like using lemon in tea or with fish, the lemon has plenty more to offer.  Read on to find 8 delicious new ways to use a lemon.

1. Lemon Brightens The Flavor Of Cakes  Whether you’re starting from scratch or using a boxed cake mix, add a tablespoon of lemon zest to your dry ingredients.  The lemon peel adds a subtle zip that won’t over power, but will get you complements.  Especially good paired with vanilla, angel food and coconut.

2. Lemon Zest Livens Up EVOO  Just add a couple tablespoon of lemon zest to a cup of extra virgin olive oil and let it sit in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks. Strain the oil through a sieve, and discard the zest.  Ta-da!  Now you have wonderful lemon infused EVOO for cooking and salad dressings.

3. Lemon Adds Zip To Cooked Grains  Adding a tablespoon or two of lemon juice to water before cooking rice or quinoa adds a little extra zip.  And as an added bonus, the lemon juice will keep grains from sticking together.

4. Lemon Makes Water Healthier  We all know it’s important to drink plenty of fluids but did you know that adding a few lemon slices to water not only brightens the flavor, it may actually encourage you to drink a little more. Plus you’ll be getting a generous dose of vitamin C.  Lemon juice aides digestion and helps support a healthy immune system, too!

5. Lemon Makes Sugar A Sweet Treat  Adding a generous amount of lemon peel to table sugar is a perfect way to add some kick to this pantry staple.  Rev up your cocktail hour by rimming glasses with lemon sugar for mojitos.  Add it to tea and lemonade.  It’s also a great treat on top of almost any baked item.  Try it on muffins, toast, cupcakes and fresh breads.  It’s so easy to make:  Add the zest of 1-2 lemons to 1-2 cups of sugar.  Let the mixture stand at room temp uncovered for about 1 hour, then store in a covered container in your pantry.

6. Lemon And Cauliflower Make An Excellent Pair  Next time you cook cauliflower, add a squeeze of lemon.  Lemon complements the flavor of cauliflower perfectly and will brighten up the flavor of your dish. Plus your cauliflower will stay looking fresh and white.  Bye-bye brown cauliflower mush!

7.  Use Lemon To Clean Your Fruits And Veggies  Lemon is a natural disinfectant, so next time you clean your fresh fruits and veggies, use lemon!  Put some fresh squeezed lemon juice in a spray bottle and give that fresh produce a squirt.  Rinse as desired.

8. Lemon Will Save Soggy Lettuce  You don’t need to throw that soggy lettuce into the garbage. Lemon juice can save that salad green.  Add the juice of half a lemon to a bowl of cold water, then add the lettuce.  Refrigerate for 1 hour. Dry lettuce leaves completely before putting them into salads or sandwiches.

So now you know just a few more wonderful ways the lemon can perk things up.  I simply can’t imagine life without the lovely lemon.