MasterChef Pankaj Bhadouria shares 5 easy lemon hacks: smart ways to use its juice and leaves in daily cooking

Lemon is one of the most versatile and refreshing ingredients, it is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and offers a tangy aftertaste. But when it comes to getting maximum juice out of it or keeping it fresh in summer months, it is always a struggle. MasterChef Pankaj Bhadouria recently shared some really smart hacks that can make it easy. Take a look. She suggests buying lemons with thin skins not thick skins. She explains that the ones with thin skins are juicier than those with thick skin. Lemons dry faster in the fridge, so we keep looking for hacks to keep them fresh for longer. According to Chef Pankaj, the best way is to store lemons in water, this keeps them fresh and juicier for longer.When you store lemons in the fridge for too long they become dry and squeezing juice becomes a task. She suggests a smart hack to get more juice out of the lemon. All you need to do is, microwave it for 15 seconds and then squeeze to get maximum juice. If you don't have a microwave at home, Chef Pankaj suggests rolling the lemons on a flat surface to get more juice out of them. Lastly, don’t throw away the lemon peels. Chef Pankaj suggests boiling them with a little vinegar and you have the best glass & surface cleaner ready with you!Per 100 ml of lemon juice offers 22 calories, 6.9 g carbs, 2.5 g sugars, 0.3 g fiber, 38-50 mg vitamin C, and 103 mg potassium. As far as benefits are concerned, the study by Research Gate titled Lemon juice antioxidant activity against oxidative stress, "Fruit extracts that are rich in antioxidants such as lemon juice were used as an effective agent in decreasing intracellular ROS concentration and protecting lipid, DNA and mitochondrial functionality from the damage induced by free radicals. Apart from this, lemon juice boosts metabolism, burns fat, and reduces cravings when consumed with warm water. It is also said to help slow down sugar absorption, making it beneficial for diabetes management. It also acts as a natural diuretic, flushing out toxins and keeping the body hydrated.Lemon juice offers a tangy flavour that goes well with both sweet and savoury dishes. It can be used to make lemonades, iced teas, citrus coolers, and light salads, and it tastes good in grilled seafood and roasted vegetables too. It also goes well in summer desserts such as lemon tarts, sorbets, cheesecakes, and citrus-infused cakes.While lemon leaves are not commonly consumed directly as food, they can be used to infuse flavor into teas, soups, and sauces. Additionally, incorporating lemon leaves into herbal remedies and culinary preparations may provide these lesser-known health benefits. Take a look at some of the lesser-known benefits of lemon leaves.Lemon leaves contain antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and vitamin C. These compounds help protect the body against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. They also contain compounds that can aid digestion and soothe digestive discomfort. They may help alleviate symptoms such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. Compounds found in lemon leaves have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can be beneficial for conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other inflammatory disorders. The vitamin C content in lemon leaves can help support the immune system by enhancing the production of white blood cells and antibodies, which play a crucial role in fighting off infections and illnesses. Also, consuming lemon leaves may have calming effects on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. The aroma of lemon leaves can also have a soothing effect on the mind and body.