Preserved lemon
What is Preserved lemon?
Preserved lemon is a traditional North African condiment made by curing whole lemons in salt and their own juices. The curing process softens the peel and mellows the intense citrus flavour, making the entire lemon, including the peel, edible. It is a staple in Moroccan cuisine and other North African and Middle Eastern dishes.
Is Preserved lemon vegan?
Preserved lemon is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Preserved lemon a major allergen?
Preserved lemon is not one of the 14 major allergens.
What is Preserved lemon used for?
Preserved lemons are used to add a unique, salty, umami-rich, and intensely lemony flavour to dishes.
Is Preserved lemon safe?
Preserved lemon is not an additive and does not have an E-number.
Why it's used
Preserved lemons are used to add a unique, salty, umami-rich, and intensely lemony flavour to dishes. They are commonly added to tagines, stews, salads, dressings, and marinades, often finely chopped or the pulp used. Manufacturers may use it to enhance the overall flavour profile of savoury food products.
Health notes
Preserved lemon is not an additive and does not have an E-number. It is a food ingredient. Its primary health implication relates to its high salt content due to the curing process. While the NHS advises adults to consume no more than 6g of salt a day, the amount of preserved lemon used in typical recipes is small.
Allergen info
Preserved lemon is not one of the 14 major allergens. It is a fruit product. Not a major allergen.
Foods that contain Preserved lemon
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