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 we eat paneer and lemon 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 egg and lemon be eaten together? ›
It's certainly SAFE if you cook your omelette properly, but lemon is acidic and that will tend to curdle the egg proteins. Sounds bad right? Except that when you make omelette you're using heat to curdle the egg proteins anyway. So it may or may not change the texture in ways you want, but it's not unsafe.
Who should not use lemon? ›
Side Effects of Lemons
Some people can have headaches or gastrointestinal distress. Lemon juice is high in the amino acid tyramine. If you are sensitive to tyramine, drinking lemon juice can trigger migraine headaches. Lemons can worsen heartburn symptoms in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
When not to eat lemons? ›
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Symptoms worsen after consuming citrus. 19. Lemon or citrus allergy: Avoid lemons and products that contain lemon ingredients. Mouth ulcers: The acids may aggravate the sores, and they can also be hard on your teeth.
Can we eat dahi 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.
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 you eat chicken with lemon? ›
Simple, fresh ingredients that make the most flavorful chicken! This lemon herb marinade is absolutely delicious made with a mixture of olive oil, tangy lemon juice, tons of garlic along with fresh herbs! This lemon herb marinade also makes a great salad dressing as well!
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.
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 pairs best with lemon? ›
Lemon: Pairs especially well with almond, apricot, basil, berries, black pepper, cardamom, cherry, citrus, coconut, hazelnut, ginger, mint, nectarine, peach, plum, prickly pear, rosemary, thyme, tropical fruit, and vanilla. For spirits, it mixes best with rum, vodka, and nut and orange liqueurs.
Is too much lemon juice bad for your kidneys? ›
Excessive lemon juice intake may pose a risk for kidney stones due to its citric acid content. However, lemon juice is generally safe in moderation and can have a mild diuretic effect that can actually help improve kidney function. If you're concerned about your kidney health, speak with a health care professional.
Why you shouldn't drink lemon water everyday? ›
Although lemon water's wide range of benefits often centers on gut health, according to Medical News Today, squeezing too much in your water can worsen common maladies like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and acid reflux. GERD and acid reflux are triggered by acidic foods, including lemons.
What happens when you drink lemon water for 30 days? ›
You may experience a boost in your immune system due to the vitamin C, and may feel more energetic, because of better hydration. If you also follow a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity, you may also notice some weight loss.
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.
When should you not use a lemon? ›
In fact, lemons will last up to four to six weeks in the fridge. You can safely store lemons at room temperature, but like any fruit, they will start to go bad quicker. On average, you have about a week to use lemons stored at room temperature before they start to dry out, go soft, or worse, begin to mold.
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.
Which foods should not be eaten together? ›
Grains should not be consumed with Tapioca and Fruits. One should not consume fruits and milk with vegetables. Beans are the wrong combination with eggs, milk, fish, fruits, yogurt, and meat. Yogurt is to be avoided with cheese, hot drinks, sour fruits, milk, mangoes, nightshades, beans, eggs, fish.
