Lemon is a small evergreen tree belonging to the Rutaceae family, native to Asia and primarily grown in northeastern India and northern Myanmar. The tree bears oval-shaped yellow fruits, which are widely used for both culinary and non-culinary purposes around the world.

Lemon juice, for instance, is widely used for cooking and cleaning purposes. With a pH of around 2.2 and containing approximately 5-6% citric acid, lemon juice is highly acidic and has a tart flavor. Due to its distinct sour taste, it is a popular ingredient in beverages and dishes, including lemonade and lemon meringue pie.

Lemons are divided into two types, namely green lemons and yellow lemons. Green lemons have a slightly higher juice content than yellow lemons, with thinner peels and a mild fragrance. They taste very sour, with no bitterness, and are often used as seasoning in Southeast Asian countries.

On the other hand, yellow lemons are commonly used in western cuisine and beverages after squeezing and soaking. They have a strong fragrance, with a less sour taste when ripe, but a slightly bitter aftertaste.

Aside from its culinary uses, lemon is also an important medicinal material that has been used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases, including indigestion, colds, coughs, and rheumatism. Lemon essential oil is another common therapeutic product used to relieve anxiety, and fatigue, and improve sleep.

Lemonade is a refreshing drink made by mixing lemon juice, water, and sugar. It not only tastes fresh but also has numerous health benefits. The history of lemonade dates back to ancient times when the fruit was first introduced to Europe from Asia during ancient Rome.

However, lemonade, as we know it today, dates back to the 17th century when an English sailor discovered that adding lemon juice to water could prevent scurvy.

Making lemonade is a straightforward process. First, cut a lemon into halves or quarters and squeeze out the juice. Next, mix the lemon juice and water at a ratio of 1:2 and add sugar to taste, stirring well. To add a fresh taste to your lemonade, you can add mint or other spices.

When making lemonade, it is crucial to cut the lemon slices along with the peel since flavonoids are concentrated in the skin, which is the source of the light aroma of lemonade. The slices should be thin to allow the aroma components in the lemon peel to diffuse quickly.

Lemon seeds contain a very bitter limonoid, which imparts a strong bitter taste to the water when cut. Thus, it is best to remove the seeds when soaking.

Although lemonade is delicious, it is vital to consume it in moderation since lemon is highly acidic. Under normal circumstances, drinking more than 1000 ml of lemonade per day is not advisable. Instead, half a slice of lemon juice can be soaked in water for drinking every day.

For special groups of people, such as those with stomach deficiencies and coldness, it is best to limit their lemonade intake to avoid damaging the stomach.

Lemon is a versatile fruit that is widely used for its culinary, medicinal, and therapeutic properties. Lemonade, in particular, is a refreshing drink that not only tastes great but also provides numerous health benefits. As with any food or drink, it is essential to consume it in moderation to avoid any adverse effects on the body.