For many rural folk, going to a doctor for 'minor' ailments was the last resort, especially if their grandmother had worked her magic with something from her kitchen cupboard on them first. Over the next several weeks, we will share with readers some popular items found in the kitchen that also make excellent cures for some simple ailments. Sometimes there are logical reasons why they work, but in many cases, we only know they work because our great grandparents passed down the remedies through generations.
These 'cures' include: garlic, onion, pimento berries, limes, ginger, vinegar, honey and tea bags. We begin with limes.
If you know of any kitchen cures that you would like to share, tell us about it and you could win a recipe book from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council.
Lemonade is the most popular drink made from limes, but did you know that lime does more than make a refreshing drink?
Sore-throat relief
Most of us use lime with honey to relieve a sore throat. It works. Squeeze half a lime into a half tablespoon of honey. Drink this a few times each day and in no time you're good as new.
Reduce fever
Add the juice of half a lime to a cup of unsweetned black coffee or tea. This will cause you to sweat and lessen fever.
Air freshener/deodoriser
To remove the smell of garlic or onions from your hands, rub with a lemon slice and rinse. You can also wash a cutting board with lime juice to eliminate odour. If you're cleaning fish, drop a few slices of lime in the water to keep down the odour.
Brighten whites
The acid in lime is said to work wonders on whites that cannot be bleached. Pour a quarter cup of lime juice into the washing machine before washing.
Dirty Dishes
If you have food that is caked on dishes, pour some lime juice on it and let soak for around 10 minutes. The acid in the lime should dissolve whatever is caked-on.
Clean a microwave
Add a few tablespoons full of lime juice to a cup of water (make sure cup is microwave safe). Let boil for about five minutes in the microwave, allow the steam to condense on the inside of the oven, then wipe clean.
Remove ink
If you get ink on your clothes, preferably before it dries, squeeze a few drops of lime juice directly on the spot. Let sit for a few minutes, then wash.
Clean stainless steel
Cut a lemon in half, add a little salt to it and use to clean silverware or stainless steel.
Garnish
A slice of lime is also a great garnish for many seafood dishes, beer and cocktails.
Colour retention
If you do not want to put meat or fat or codfish in the water when boiling green bananas, just squeeze the juice from half a lime in it. Also, if you want yellow yam to retain its bright colour for storage, just wash with lime juice.
Good-luck charm
If you have ever gone to any market in Jamaica, you will notice a lime cut in equal halves sitting on the stalls beside the goods. Vendors will tell you that it is for good luck or to drive evil spirits away. Some vendors also keep a whole lime in their pockets with the money.
Sources: http://www.associatedcontent.com/
Share your kitchen cures with us at: lifestyle@gleanerjm.com
Caribbean Black- Bottomed Lime Tart
Ingredients
20 chocolate cookies
2 tbs chopped almonds
4 tbs melted butter
For filling
1 lb cream cheese
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
11/2 tbs lime zest
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
Method
Preheat oven to 340F
1. Prepare the crust. Finely crush the cookies and almonds in a food processor. Add melted butter and combine.
2. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Refrigerate until ready for use.
To make the filling:
1. Beat the cream cheese with an electric mixter until creamy. Add sugar, eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth. Gently beat in sour cream, lime zest and juice.
2. Pour the mixture into the crust and bake for 40-50 minutes until the cheese cake is slightly puffed and the center is set
Refrigerate for four hours or overnight.
Serves 8-10
Sweet remedies
from lime (lemon)