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By Lauren Scott, Arizona Farm Bureau Intern

Lemons are one of the many tasty fruits in season in spring. A favorite of Arizonans, the lemon can be used in many different dishes to create culinary works of art. It’s not sweet like your typical fruit, or citrus for that matter, but people seem to really enjoy the taste of lemon in foods.

Here in Arizona, we grow some of the best lemons around. Though you might see old citrus orchards in Mesa turned into development, Yuma county is still host to a variety of citrus groves, among other areas in the state.

Plus, as we know, lemons are high in vitamin C. A squirt of fresh lemon in a glass of water brightens the beverage immediate and ensures an infusion of health.

Lemon is one of my favorite flavors, and I can’t resist a good lemon meringue pie! As we move into spring and summer, citrus flavors become more popular, and citrus fruits become more available. So go stock up on lemons, because you’re going to need them to make the following recipes!

Main Dishes:

• Shrimp Ceviche
• Baked Lemon Chicken
• Lemon Rosemary Lamb Chops
• Lemon Baked Cod
• Citrus Marinated Grilled Turkey
• Lentil Soup with Lemon
• Chicken with Shallot Cream Sauce
• Chicken Picatta

Side Dishes:

• Stuffed Nasturtium Leaves
• Lemon Broccolini
• Melon-Cucumber Salad
• Lemon Rice
• Lemon Asparagus
• Lemon Risotto
• Green Beans with Lemon and Garlic
• Lemon Spinach

Desserts:

• Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie
• Lemon Tiramisu
• Prickly Pear Cheesecake
• Lemon Cake
• Lemon Sorbet
• Lemon Bars
• Lemon Cookies
• Lemon Cooler Cream Cake

Drinks:

• Fresh Lemonade
• Rosemary Lemonade
• Lemon and Cucumber Water
• Lemon Drop Cocktail
• Lemon Shake-Ups
• Strawberry, Lemon, and Basil Mimosas
• Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Honey Punch
• Touchdown Lemon Shandy

Refresh yourself this spring and summer with the zesty and abundant lemon. Head to your local grocery store to pick some up, and spend the coming warm months learning to cook and bake with them! The first thing I’m going to try off this list is the Arizona Sunshine Lemon Pie! Try it with me, and let me know what you think in the comments! Also, remember to visit Fill Your Plate for more fun and tasty citrus recipes!