A squeeze of lemon can bring a dull sauce or lacklustre soup to life as its tartness cuts through and brings out flavour in a subtler (and healthier) way than salt. Smaller, sharper but more intensely fragrant than lemons, limes work with exotic, spicy flavours. Some dishes call for the sharp, clear lift of lemon, at other times the richer fragrance of lime is more appropriate. They are both perfect as an antidote to the heat of fresh chilli or pungent garlic, the best friend of herbs and olive oil, roasting meat and freshly grilled seafood. Their brightness is also perfect in sweet, buttery desserts. Try a host of recipes including Lemon, Mushroom and Tarragon Arancini, Pork Dumplings in Lime-leaf Broth, Oven Baked Lemon Fennel or Lime and Chilli Sweet Potatoes. Essays also investigate the history and culture of lemons and limes, their health benefits, and how to grow your own.
