(Family Features) It’s summer and there’s little that can compare to the refreshing sparkle that fresh lemon or lime gives a tall glass of iced tea or an ice-cold bottle of water. (And how about that great citrus taste on grilled fish?) But it’s not always easy — or convenient — to bring a whole lemon or lime with you when you’re on the go. Worse yet, it’s so frustrating to reach for a fresh lemon or lime at home only to realize either you’re out or they’ve gone bad sitting in your refrigerator.

Now, there’s good news for lemon and lime lovers. Fresh squeezed lemon and lime taste is now as simple as a tear of a packet or a shake of a bottle — and you don’t have to worry about it going bad before you’ve had a chance to use it. True Lemon and True Lime crystallized lemon and lime substitutes are made with 100 percent all-natural ingredients including real lemon and lime juice and oils. Available in packets and now rolling out nationwide in shaker containers, both can be used just like you would fresh lemon or lime juice.

True Lemon and True Lime can add true citrus flavor to:

• Drinks and smoothies,
• Marinades, rubs and flavoring pastes,
• Sauces,
• Main dishes,
• Fruits, vegetables and side dishes,
• Desserts and
• Any dish or drink that needs flavor-enhancing lemon or lime.

Convenient packets of the all-natural crystallized lemon and lime are also great to take to the office, to the gym or on summer vacation — anytime you’re on the go. Each packet contains the equivalent of 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon or lime juice with no calories, carbohydrates, preservatives or sodium, but with a full 25 percent of an adult’s daily vitamin C requirement. True Lemon and True Lime shakers have the same health benefits and offer an easy way for home chefs to sprinkle on a zesty citrus taste. They are also a great salt substitute for those watching their sodium intake.

For more information and recipes, visit www.truelemon.com.

Luscious Lime Summer Smoothie

Makes 1-1/2 cups

• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 2 packets True Lime
• 1 ripe medium banana
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 2 kiwi fruit, peeled and halved
• 2 cups crushed ice

1. Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

Lemon Herb Salmon

Serves 4

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 packets True Lemon
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon chives
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 medium salmon steaks, cut 1/4 inch thick

1. In large bowl, combine all ingredients except salmon steaks; mix well. Add fish to bowl; spoon marinade over fish until well coated. Cover; refrigerate at least 2 hours, turning fish over after 1 hour.
2. Place fish on broiler pan or on hot grill. Broil or grill 4 to 6 inches from heat, 10 to 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork.

Source: True Lemon

Ingredients

Strawberry Shake

• 1 container (8 ounces) lemon nonfat yogurt
• 2 cups cubed, seeded watermelon
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, cleaned and hulled
• 1 medium banana, peeled and sliced

Frozen Smoothie Pops

• Strawberry Shake
• Small paper cups
• Popsicle sticks

Preparation

Strawberry Shake

1. In blender or food processor, process yogurt, watermelon, strawberries and banana until smooth and frothy. Serve immediately.

Frozen Smoothie Pop

1. Pour prepared Watermelon Strawberry Shake into small paper cups.
2. Freeze, inserting popsicle sticks or plastic spoons when mixture is partially frozen. Or, pour Watermelon Strawberry Shake into ice cream machine.
3. Set and enjoy.

Source

National Watermelon Promotion Board

Agua Fresca

(Family Features) Americans thirsting for more energy can refresh their hydration habits by thinking outside the water glass. Some foods - including flavorful, water-rich produce like watermelon - can help hydrate the body as well.

"Sliced, cubed or blended, or even simply juiced, watermelon is a delicious way to increase fluid intake and boost energy," said Elizabeth Somer, a registered dietician and author of several nutrition and wellness books. "Watermelon is 92 percent water, and the perfect ingredient for salads, salsas, smoothies and more."

With a distinctively sweet, refreshing taste, it may be hard to think of watermelon as a nutritious, low-calorie hydration boost. But actually, beyond its high water content, watermelon is loaded with vitamins A and C, potassium and magnesium, fiber and phytonutrients, such as lycopene.

Tips for picking the perfect watermelon

Choosing a good whole watermelon at the store may seem like a challenge, because the thick rind hides the vibrant fruit inside. But actually, making a good pick is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Look the watermelon over. You are looking for a firm, symmetrical watermelon that is free from bruises, cuts or dents.
2. Lift it up. The watermelon should be heavy for its size; most of the weight is water.
3. Turn it over. The underside of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.

Once you've got your watermelon home, there are dozens of ways to enjoy it, including a wide range of cold, refreshing beverages. One easy way to up your water intake with watermelon is this simple one-ingredient recipe for watermelon juice:

Just cut a seedless watermelon into one-inch chunks with a sharp knife and place in blender. Blend watermelon well until juice is smooth. If you prefer, you can strain the juice to remove the pulp.

For a little extra flavor, try combining watermelon juice with other fruity flavors, as in this Agua Fresca, which blends that natural sweetness of watermelon with lime, a small amount of sugar and water.

Find more ideas to help you sip your way to hydration with mouthwatering inspiration at www.watermelon.org.

Agua Fresca

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely chopped watermelon
• 7 cups coarsely chopped watermelon
• 6 cups watermelon juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large lime, juiced
• 1 serving water (if needed)
• Watermelon wedges
• Mint leaves

Preparation

1. Combine all ingredients, including slices of juiced lime, in large serving pitcher.
2. Garnish with watermelon wedges and mint.

Source

National Watermelon Promotion Board