Special Report
Multifarious Uses of the nature’s wonder fruit — lemon
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Origin of lemon emon is one of the most popular citrus fruits that is commonly used by a majority of people in India, irrespective of their social and economic status. Though the exact origin of the fruit is not known, it is widely presumed that lemons first grew in India, northern Burma and China. It is believed that the fruit has been introduced into Southern Italy in 200 A.D. and has been cultivated in Iraq and Egypt by 700 A.D. Arabs distributed it widely in the Mediterranean region between 1000 and 1150 A.D. The first real lemon cultivation in Europe began in Genoa in
O.R.S. RAO Director & R. RADHA KRISHNA Deputy Manager Cygnus Business Consulting and Research Lemon as a functional food
the middle of the 15th century. It was later introduced to the Americas when Christopher Columbus brought lemon seeds in his voyages. The fruit was mainly used as an ornament and medicine. In 1700s and late 1800s, lemons were increasingly planted in Florida and California when Lemon, raw, without peel: Nutritional value per 100 g lemons began to be used in cooking and Energy 29 kcal flavoring. Carbohydrates 9.32 g
Sugars Fat Protein Dietary fiber Thiamine (Vit. B1) Riboflavin (Vit. B2) Niacin (Vit. B3) Pantothenic acid (B5) Vitamin B6
2.50 g 0.30 g 1.10 g 2.8 g 0.040 mg (3%) 0.020 mg (1%) 0.100 mg (1%) 0.190 mg (4%) 0.080 mg (6%)
Folate (Vit. B9) Vitamin C Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Zinc
11 μg (3%) 53.0 mg (88%) 26 mg (3%) 0.60 mg (5%) 8 mg (2%) 16 mg (2%) 138 mg (3%) 0.06 mg (1%)
Source: USDA Nutrient database Chemical Weekly November 9, 2010
Varieties of lemon There are many varieties of lemon available, depending upon the size, properties and way of cultivation. Varieties commonly available in India include: Eureka, Sweet Lemon, Nepali Round and Nepali Oblong. Apart from these, some hybrids are also available for high yield extraction of juice. Out of these, Monachello, Meyer, Interdonato and Rough Lemon are popular for cultivation.
Nutritious values of lemon Lemon is a highly nutritious and vitamin rich food supplement for human body. It has high nutritional value and can be easily absorbed by the human body. No other common fruit has such rich vitamins as lemon. In India, most people use this fruit as a traditional medicine for common diseases like fever, skin allergy, dandruff etc.
The presence of Vitamin C in lemon controls metabolic functions in the body. It helps tissue growth, avoid blood clotting and insulin deficiencies. Other vitamins present in lemon help in metabolic functions. Presence of potassium, calcium and magnesium in lemon plays a vital role in the formation of albumen in the blood. It also useful in treating asthma, biliousness, colds, coughs, sore throat, diphtheria, flu or influenza, heartburn, liver complaints, scurvy, fevers and rheumatism. Vitamins and nutrients are not produced by the human body and hence need to be supplement through food supplements like lemon. 193
Special Report Lemon juice is a natural strengthening agent to the liver enzymes when they are diluted. Liver can absorb more enzymes out of fresh lemon juice than any other food item. Lemon also helps to regulates blood carbohydrate levels, which affect the blood oxygen levels. Use of lemon as a food item Lemon fruit (raw) can be used in preparing a number of food dishes. In India, particularly in Southern India, lemon is a common kitchen item in most of the house-holds. Lemon is used for pickles in India. These are even exported to other countries as processed foods. Lemon fruit juice is used in manufacture of soft drinks like Lemonade. Its slices are a popular addition to tea and cold drinks. Uses of Lemon in food industry Lemon salt (Black Salt) is extracted and used in many food preparations. It is also used as short time preservative for many kinds of foods. Lemon juice is sprinkled over cut fruit or white vegetables to prevent them from getting spoiled. Its powerful acidic properties enhance the deliciousness of the food. It is widely used in almost all juice preparations. Lemon is also used for making mousses, ice cream, soufflés, jellies, jam, lemon curd, cheese etc. It is also used for preparation of “Oral Rehydration Solution” and also 194
in preparation of energy foods preparation by nutraceutical industries. Other house-hold uses of lemon In most parts of India, it is believed that hanging lemon fruits in front of the house will keep away bad omen. Many Indian families are hanging the fruits at the main gate. It worked as repellent on insects and not allowed into houses. Lemon Juice with salt is used for cleaning copper and brass utensils in houses and removing the stains in the cloths. Smelling lemon fruit controls travel sickness. Lemon oil is used as mosquito repellent in the houses. Raw piece of lemon with salt will
control the loss of appetite in sick people. A few drops of lemon juice in black tea give relief from body strain and stress. Industrial uses of lemon In FMCG industry, lemon peels and lemon fruits are used in preparation of detergents, cosmetics and body care products. In chemical and pharmaceutical industry, it is used for extraction of vitamins and enzymes for production of different drugs and medicines. In textile industry, lemon is used along with colouring agents for dyeing the textiles. It is used in chemical industry as citric acid supplement, black salt preparation, extraction of other enzymes and vitamins. Lemon is used in fermentation industry as a fermentation agent. Medicinal applications Medicinal value of lemon For centuries, lemon has been used as one of the major ingredients in preparation of traditional medicines (like Ayurvedic, Homeopathic, Chinese and natural cure) and modern medicine to cure chronic diseases. All parts of Lemon – fruit, its peels and leaves – are used for medicinal applications. Lemon juice with a teaspoon of honey can be used as a remedy for colds, obesity and constipation. Chemical Weekly November 9, 2010
Special Report Lemon is also good for oral diseases, throat disorders, fevers, cold, beauty aid, stomach problems, obesity etc. It is the “life saving drink”, when mixed with water, salt and a pinch of sugar, popularly known as Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) to treat the condition of dehydration, due to diarrhoea or vomiting. It is a home-made tonic, which supplies electrolytes lost from the body, boosts immunity in an individual and also gives the healing touch to wounds. Alkaline properties Lemon has an alkaline effect on the human body; despite the high acid content, once it has been sufficiently digested in the stomach it tends to alkalinize. This property of the plant makes it very effective and useful in the treatment of rheumatic conditions involving acidity as one of the contributory factors in the genesis of the disorder. Bio-flavonoids in the lemon help in circulatory disorders by strengthening the inner lining of blood vessels (veins and capillaries). The lemon also helps to alleviate varicose veins and stops easy bruising of the skin. Antiseptic property The lemon peel oil and its bactericidal effects are also useful in the treatment of many skin diseases and fungal infections. The cleansing and antiseptic actions of the lemon make it effective in the treatment of arteriosclerosis, and
Country USA India Mexico Argentina Brazil Spain China Turkey Iran Italy World
Top ten lemon and lime producers in the world (Production in Tonnes) 2006 2007 2008 2009* 5,910,867 5,879,115 6,083,308 6,171,406 2,159,000 2,298,300 2,429,000 2,571,730 1,867,078 1,935,909 2,224,382 2,427,911 1,250,000 1,260,000 1,260,000 1,265,030 1,031,292 1,018,700 1,040,000 1,044,382 877,134 498,800 498,800 376,146 716,918 842,166 917,166 1,037,378 710,401 651,767 672,452 654,245 620,000 620,000 620,000 620,000 573,171 556,417 550,000 538,768 13,156,417 12,961,635 13,439,211 13,582,879
Source: FAO; Cygnus Research; * : Cygnus Estimates
comes in great use when dealing with various types of infections and fevers – particularly problems that affect the stomach, liver and large and small intestines. General purpose Many chronic illnesses can also be treated by the general tonic effects of the lemon. The lemon acts as a general tonic for the liver and pancreas as well; regular consumption results in improved appetite, which also eases acidity in the stomach, helping a person deal better with ulcers, with arthritis, with the physical symptoms of gout, as well as chronic rheumatism. Lemon juice used as a mouth gargle or oral wash also helps to bring relief from sore throats, and can help to alleviate gingivitis, as well as canker sores. The application of lemon juice on the body directly can help to eliminate persistent acne, it can bring relief from athlete’s foot, can treat chilblains, and is also useful for dealing with stings and bites of insects, as well as ringworm, sunburn and warts on the skin. It is a healthy food that can help a person to maintain general good health by preventive action inside the body. Decoction made from boiling dried leaves in boiling water cures fever
Chemical Weekly November 9, 2010
and relieves cramps. Sweetened with honey, this tea can help to cure coughs and asthma and also helps in cure insomnia. One cup of this tea an hour before retiring will promote relaxation and deep sleep. Lemon fruit peels have oxidant properties and hence are used to get relief from joint and nerve pains. The fragrant volatile oils found in the peel help to relax blood vessels and produce an anti-inflammatory effect, making them useful for joint and nerve pain.
A glass of lemon juice with warm water and sweeten with 1-tbsp of honey 195
Special Report
13.5
industry usage 21%
M tonnes
Export 20%
13.2 Domestic consumption 59% 12.9 2006
2007
2008
2009
Global lemon production
Global distribution of lemon fruits 2009-10
Source : FAQ, Cygnus Research
350
2,600
325
300
’000 MT
’000 hactares
2,400
275
250 2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2,200
2,000
2005-06
Lemon cultivation in hectares
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
lemon production
Source : NHB, Cygnus Research
mixture will detoxifying the body of unwanted toxins. Lemon juice aids to stimulate blood circulation, reduces arterial pressure and activates bile and intestinal secretions. Lemon for beautiful skin For brighter, softer skin, fresh lemon juice can be used on any area of the body, including the knees, elbows, and face to brighten up and soften. Direct application of lemon juice on affected areas before going to bed also can fade 196
a overall skin treatment. Mixture of honey, a few drops of lemon juice and a drop of sweet almond oil can be used as anti-wrinkle mask. Lemon juice with sugar added removes accumulated dead skin cells and gives freshness to the skin. freckles and age spots. It also cleanses the skin and lighten its colour. One can also add 1/2 cup of fresh juice to bath water and soak for 20 minutes for
Lemon treatment for hair Lemon juice mixed with olive oil and raw honey can act as a good hair conditioner, by reducing oily content of the hair. Lemon juice with coconut Chemical Weekly November 9, 2010
Special Report State wise, area, production and productivity of lemon in India Area : 000’ HA; Production : 000’ MT; Productivity : MT/HA State Area Andhra Pradesh Gujarat Orissa Karnataka Maharashtra Uttarakhand Bihar Assam Other States Total
51.95 32.73 26.51 7.63 36.08 26.41 17.12 9.90 86.58 294.90
2006-07 Produc- Productition vity 779.28 15.0 327.64 10.0 206.02 7.8 169.72 22.3 139.06 3.9 124.96 4.7 121.60 7.1 87.86 8.9 354.04 4.1 2310.18 7.8
Area 58.87 8.21 26.77 8.16 37.27 26.83 17.58 10.77 108.33 302.78
2007-08 Produc- Productition vity 882.99 15.0 66.84 8.1 211.74 7.9 192.11 23.5 152.97 4.1 127.43 4.8 125.84 7.2 73.49 6.8 668.28 6.2 2501.69 8.3
Area 59.97 35.34 27.10 8.57 37.70 26.70 17.74 10.78 92.15 316.05
2008-09 Produc- Productition vity 899.49 15.0 350.50 9.9 223.01 8.2 201.71 23.5 156.00 4.1 129.50 4.9 128.09 7.2 98.10 9.1 385.13 4.2 2571.53 8.1
Source : NHB Database; Cygnus Research;
milk controls hair loss. Dandruff can be controlled by applying egg white mixed with lemon juice to the scalp for one hour.
ing 2008-09 was 2.57 million tons, though growth has not been substantial. Though cultivation acreage has been on the rise, yield has been stagnant at 8.1 MT/HA.
Lemon for nail care For strong, shiny, bright fingernails soak fingernails in lemon juice for about 10 minutes. Then brush them with a nail brush dipped in a mixture of 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 warm water. Lemon for oral applications Bad breath can be quickly got rid off by squirting a few drops of lemon juice into the mouth. Citric acid from lemon juice destroys odour causing bacteria. Drink lemon water during the day, to freshen up the breath anytime. Teeth can be whitened, by rubbing half a lemon with table salt and a pinch of baking soda on the teeth or brush the teeth with a mixture of lemon juice, salt and baking soda. Global production and usage trends Total production of lemon in world was 13.58 million tonnes in 2009, against 13.15 million tonnes in 2005. It has been growing year after year, exChemical Weekly November 9, 2010
Andhra Pradesh is the largest producing state in the country, followed by Gujarat. However, yield is the highest in Karnataka, followed by Andhra Pradesh.
cept during 2007, when the production was low due to adverse environmental conditions globally. India is the second largest producer globally, next only to the US. Bulk of the global production, 59% is used for human consumption, 21% used in industry and balance in medicinal applications. Indian scenario Production of lemon in India dur-
Conclusion Global demand for lemon is bound to increase in the yearsto-come, considering its multiple uses – for human consumption, as a food supplement, medicinal uses and industrial applications. India is the second largest producer in the world. However, most of the produce is for domestic consumption in raw form. There is ample scope to increase its use in processed foods as well as in medicinal applications. This will help in creation of substantial value-add, which will help in increasing price realisations to the growers, which in turn will encourage them to increase production. It will also help in increasing exports. 197