DECEMBER 21: Winter Solstice

THE LEMON GROVE CHRISTMAS ADVENT CALENDAR December 21⁣⁣
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Across the world the passing of Winter Solstice, the year’s shortest day, is celebrated in many ways, although few make use of citrus 🍋

However, in Japan, people take a bath with Yuzu fruit bobbing about. The fruit’s oil is reportedly cleansing with a relaxing, aromatic scent akin to a mix of lemon, grapefruit and mandarin.⁣

Yuzu are a citrus fruit found across Asia and look a little like yellow versions of the bitter, Seville oranges.⁣

Apparently, they’re@also good for fighting off colds and flu, although sadly I can’t recommend it for batting Covid-19, although living in a fairly rigour lockdown I’d be ready to give it a try! ⁣

My son suggested taking a picture in the bath with my hotdog legs and the jars … think yourselves lucky you just get the bottles 😂⁣
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The image show some of the citrussy and other ingredients, spices and condiments that I bought last year during my trip to Japan.⁣

1. With red top: Sichimi Tougarashi, a spicy seasoning, hot sauce, you can use on any food – soup, meat, fish, vegetables.

2. Small white jar: Yuzu powder.

3. Dark bottle: Yuzu dressing. Described as a bit acid, usually used as a dip for tempura for oily food and within salad dressings.

4. Large bottle with lemon image: Similar to the Yuzu dressing, but with lemon.⁣

photo of two women sitting beside each other
Photo by Mat Kedzia on Pexels.com

Bruce McMichael

Food writing, discovering food stories, meeting producers, chefs and food enthusiasts are all part of desire to inspire, inform my readers and fellow food lovers. I am a freelance writer, journalist and published author focusing on the international world of food and drink, culture and travel. In 2019 I graduated from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, Italy with a Masters in Food Culture, Communication and Marketing. I am now a visiting Professor at the university teaching Food & Drink Writing. Based in London I travel widely, particularly across western Europe. I have chaired many conferences and meetings, spoken at conferences and events and often appear on radio and TV talking most about food, the business of food and being an entrepreneur. In 2017 I won an episode of the ITV (the UK-based national television channel) cooking competition show, 'Gordon Ramsay's Culinary Genius'. I took my children on holiday to Sicily with the prize money. As an experienced farmers' market manager and operator of a small marmalade/ preserves company, I am very familiar with the issues surrounding local food, farming, enterprise and the environment.

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