Lemon
has been extensively used in most Indian households for its versatile taste, texture and potent health benefits as they are loaded with
vitamin C
, antioxidants and essential nutrients. But there are certain foods you should avoid pairing with lemon as they may trigger digestive issues and ruin the taste and texture of delicacies. Here's a list of foods that you should avoid pairing with lemons.
Why should you avoid paring some food with lemon?
As per experts, when the acidic content of lemon is mixed with certain foods, it only causes discomfort and leads to digestive issues.
Hence, one should avoid such pairings to keep the gut healthy. Scroll down to read about the combinations one should avoid and why.
Milk and dairy products
Lemon has citric acid, which when paired directly with milk or other dairy products may react and lead to curdling and spoil the texture. Apart from that, consuming the two can trigger acidic reactions and cause severe heartburn and acidity.
Highly spicy foods
Lemon is acidic in nature, which can intensify the heat of spicy foods. Avoid adding lemon to extremely spicy dishes as it may make them even spicier and tangy, which makes the food less enjoyable.
Red Wine
The acidic nature of lemon can often interfere with the flavour and taste of red wine and red wine based sauces, concoctions and marinades and ruin the experience.
Seafoods
While lemon is often used with seafood, it's not a universal pairing. Avoid pairing lemon with milder fish varieties like sole or flounder, as it can overpower their delicate flavours. Opt for more subtle citrus flavours like lime or orange for such dishes.
Sweet fruits
Lemon has a tangy taste and texture, which can overpower the natural sweetness of fruits like melons and very ripe strawberries. If you are combining lemon with fruits, consider the balance of flavours and then use it with a dash of honey to enhance the taste.
Buttermilk and yogurt
Similar to milk, lemon juice can cause buttermilk and yogurt to curdle. If you want to combine these ingredients, it's better to do so gradually and with proper tempering.
Alkaline vegetables
Lemon juice is acidic, and when combined with alkaline vegetables like spinach, it can cause the vegetables to turn a darker colour and lose their vibrant green appearance. To avoid this, add lemon juice to such vegetables just before serving.
Aromatic spices
Lemon has a strong citrus flavour can sometimes clash with certain strongly aromatic spices, such as cloves or cardamom. When using lemon in dishes that include such spices, use it wisely to avoid overpowering the dish.
Lemon tea is beneficial for your body
Vinegar
While lemon and vinegar both provide acidity, combining them in large quantities can result in an overly tart or sour taste. It's better to use one or the other, depending on your recipe.
Eggs
Lemon juice can denature the proteins in eggs, altering their texture and potentially causing a curdled or uneven appearance. If using lemon in egg-based recipes, it should be done cautiously and in proper proportions.
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FAQs
Avoid pairing lemon with milder fish varieties like sole or flounder, as it can overpower their delicate flavours. Opt for more subtle citrus flavours like lime or orange for such dishes. Lemon has a tangy taste and texture, which can overpower the natural sweetness of fruits like melons and very ripe strawberries.
What should not be eaten with lemon? ›
Mixing lemon with milk or any other dairy products while cooking will react and lead to curdling. This is because of the acidic nature of lemons. You should also avoid taking lemon along with milk, as it may cause severe heartburn or acidity due to the presence of citric acid.
Can paneer and lemon be eaten together? ›
#1 Milk and Dairy Products
The acid in lemon can destabilise the proteins in dairy, resulting in a lumpy texture. If you did not intend to make paneer, this phenomenon could be rather unpleasant. Also, consuming milk products and lemon together can trigger acidic reactions and cause severe heartburn and acidity.
Can I eat egg and lemon together? ›
The belief that lemon and egg should not be consumed together is a culinary myth with no scientific basis. In fact, many recipes combine lemon and eggs, such as lemon curd or lemon meringue pie. They can complement each other in various dishes, offering both flavor and texture.
Can I eat tomato and lemon together? ›
This mixture offers a number of health benefits ranging from improving digestion to strengthening the immune system. Benefits of tomato juice with lemonRich in antioxidants: Both tomatoes and lemons are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and lycopene.
When should you not eat a lemon? ›
Lemons that have gone bad typically become very soft. They may become slimy, look shriveled, or contain visible mold. If your lemons display any of these signs, it's best to just toss them out.
Can we eat ghee and lemon together? ›
Ayurveda also prescribes eating ghee with lemon, and not just for the delectable flavor combination. According to Ayurveda, ghee with lemon juice benefits your immune system, stomach, skin and hair. And this recipe for Nimbu Dal lets you enjoy those benefits in a tasty, comforting bowl of lentils.
Can we eat lemon and jaggery together? ›
Adding jaggery and lemon water to your diet presents several opportunities to improve overall health. These versatile ingredients combine to offer numerous benefits ranging from immune support and digestion enhancement to improved skin appearance and regulated blood sugar levels.
Can I eat curd and lemon together? ›
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are highly acidic. Combining them with curd can disturb the stomach's pH balance, potentially leading to digestive discomfort or acidity for some individuals.
What not to mix lemon with? ›
Lemon has citric acid, which when paired directly with milk or other dairy products may react and lead to curdling and spoil the texture. Apart from that, consuming the two can trigger acidic reactions and cause severe heartburn and acidity. Lemon is acidic in nature, which can intensify the heat of spicy foods.
This lemon chicken recipe yields tender chicken bites with a dominant flavor of lemon juice, mint and mild spices. Slightly tangy, mildly hot with full of flavors. It makes a great starter for parties or get together and can also be served as a side to a main course.
Can we eat fish with lemon? ›
With the intense vitamin C contained in lemon, it reduces the toxic waste and radiation rate in fish, while strengthening your immune system and also facilitating your digestion. Experts often recommend squeezing lemon on your fish.
What not to mix with cucumber? ›
People often eat both cucumber and radish mixed in salad. However, both can react with each other. Cucumber contains ascorbate, which acts to absorb vitamin C. In such a situation, when you eat radish with it, it creates obstruction in this process, which can lead to a variety of health concerns.
Does tomato go well with lemon? ›
"This is a delicious sauce served over pasta or chicken breasts and so quick to put together. If your cherry tomatoes are quite sweet, you can get away with not adding the pinch of sugar.
What cancels out lemon in food? ›
If a dish is too sour, add a little bit of sugar! Sweetness balances out sour flavors, so if something makes your mouth pucker, a dash of sugar may help soften the blow of the sour food.
Is there anything wrong with eating lemons? ›
Eating lemon everyday will provide you with a variety of nutritional benefits. The only reason not to eat lemon daily is if it's hurting your teeth or stomach. The citric acid in lemons may cause you to get indigestion, heartburn, or acid reflux. You can eat lemons with other foods to reduce side effects.
What to avoid when drinking lemon water? ›
If you are drinking lemon water for possible health benefits, be sure you are not adding sugar or other sweeteners that may offset them. Sweeteners are often high in calories; adding them to your drink can affect its nutritional value.
