There are so many things a lemon can be used for, I just don't know where to begin!

The lemon is a small evergreen tree (Citrus limon) originally native to Asia, and is also the name of the tree's oval yellow fruit. The fruit is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world – primarily for its juice, though the pulp and rind (zest) are also used, mainly in cooking and baking. Lemon juice is about 5% (approximately 0.3 mole per litre) citric acid, which gives lemons a sour taste, and a pH of 2 to 3.

Culinary uses 

Lemons are used to make lemonade, and as a garnish for drinks. Lemon zest has many uses. Many mixed drinks, soft drinks, iced tea, and water are often served with a wedge or slice of lemon in the glass or on the rim. The average lemon contains approximately 3 tablespoons of juice. Allowing lemons to come to room temperature before squeezing (or heating briefly in a microwave) makes the juice easier to extract. Lemons left unrefrigerated for long periods of time are susceptible to mold. Fish are marinated in lemon juice to neutralize the odor. The acid neutralizes the amines in fish by converting them into nonvolatile ammonium salts. Lemon juice, alone or in combination with other ingredients, is used to marinate meat before cooking: the acid provided by the juice partially hydrolyzes the tough collagen fibers in the meat (tenderizing the meat), though the juice does not have any antibiotic effects. Lemons, alone or with oranges, are used to make marmalade. The grated rind of the lemon, called lemon zest, is used to add flavor to baked goods, puddings, rice and other dishes. Pickled lemons are a Moroccan delicacy. Numerous lemon liqueurs are made from lemon rind. When lemon juice is sprinkled on certain foods that tend to oxidize and turn brown after being sliced, such as apples, bananas and avocados, the acid acts as a short-term preservative by denaturing the enzymes that cause browning and degradation.

Non-culinary uses 

A halved lemon dipped in salt or baking powder can be used to brighten copper cookware. The acid cuts through the tarnish and the abrasives assist the cleaning. Lemon juice may also be used to lighten hair color.  One can use a lemon to clean a cutting board because you use it to chop onions, crush garlic, cut raw and cooked meat and chicken, and pre-pare fish. To get rid of the smell and help sanitize the cutting board, rub it all over with the cut side of half a lemon. Lemons can also whiten your fingernail, to do so just rub a wedge of lemon on your nails.

Food & Beverages

• Grill fish on top of lemon slices to prevent the fish from sticking to the grill

• Try gremolata, a mixture of lemon zest and finely chopped garlic and parsley, as an alternative to salt and pepper

• Include lemon zest in marinades for pork and poultry

• Create a flavorful lemon butter to garnish seafood and fish

• Freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays to use in summer drinks

• Make preserved lemons for use in Moroccan recipes, such as tagine

• Add lemon juice to rice, cauliflower, or potatoes while cooking to enhance their white color   

• Prevent eggs from cracking while boiling by coating the shells with lemon juice

• Ensure easy peeling of cooked eggs by adding one teaspoon of lemon juice to the cooking water^[

• Use lemon juice to help homemade jam set without using pectin

• Dry lemon peel for use in flavoring baked goods

Cleaning & Home Improvement

• Remove garlic, onion, or fish odor from your hands by rubbing them with a piece of lemon coated in salt

• Rid your hands or clothes of stains from berries, beets, or ink with lemon and salt

• Clean copper pots or remove rust stains with half a lemon dipped in salt

• Mix lemon juice and baking soda for an effective stain remover

• Dry slices of lemon to use in holiday decorations such as wreaths or garlands, or to include in potpourri mixtures

• Fill bowls or vases with whole lemons to create elegant table centerpieces

• Keep insects away from stored clothing using dried lemon rind

Health & Beauty

• Use juiced lemon halves to moisten dry elbows

• Bite into a lemon to redden your lips (a common practice in the court of Louis XIV)

• Make a face mask using lemon and honey

• After shampooing, rinse your hair with water and lemon juice to prevent dandruff and to remove soap film

• Soothe sore throats with lemon juice, either by gargling or drinking in a hot beverage

• Take the sting out of insect bites with lemon juice

• Apply lemon juice to cuts to disinfect them and help them heal faster

• Treat a nose bleed with lemon juice

• Mix lemon juice with olive or almond oil to treat eczema

• Combine lemon juice with papaya juice to get rid of athlete’s foot