Their store, Prosperity Corner, located in Kaimuki, is dedicated to educating people about alternative means of spirituality and specializes in unique gifts for the mind, body, spirit and soul. Friendly staffers Mychelle and Toni offer expertise in astrology, Tarot cards, psychic readings, crystals, herbs and a host of interesting items carried in the store. I would like to dedicate this column and recipe to them. Lemons, believed to have originated in China or India, have been cultivated in Asia for at least 2,500 years. It was not until the 15th century that western Europeans began to use lemon juice in cooking instead of the sour juice extracted from unripe grapes.
Lemons serve both decorative and culinary purposes.
They are a popular flavor enhancer, and also a good substitute for salt. They are used to prevent certain fruits such as apples and pears from discoloring, and add zest to soups, sauces, vegetables, cakes, puddings and sorbets. Lemon juice also can be used in place of vinegar in salad dressings, and is used to marinate and tenderize fish, poultry and meat. The zest of lemon is available candied or dried, and is used as a flavoring in meats, sauces and desserts. Lemons are very rich in vitamin C, and contain potassium and folic acid.