There are certain aromas that instantly make you think of fresh, clean, and healthy but undoubtedly lemons are at the top of the list. Citrus just makes you feel better!
Little Life Box included a wonderful natural bug repellant from Citrobug that was much needed at our house and is being enjoyed often in this season of bugs. Bug repellant has come a long way from the poisons and potions that humans have tried over the years to combat all manner of wee beasties trying to make a picnic of us.
Back in the day, DDT was commonly used for mass sprayings in both agricultural and household use but from the beginning there were health concerns about the impact it had on the environment, animal life and human health. DDT was eventually banned in 1972 in the United States and that ban is attributed to the comeback of the Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon in the United States.
A personal story, which might horrify, is that my grandfather worked putting in the original hydro lines in Northern Ontario and to get to these places one would have a trailer shipped in on rail and basically families would live in the bush while the bush was cleared and progress was made. Stories of the kids running behind the DDT fogger for the camps and frolicking in the cloud would make today’s over-cautious parents minds melt a little. I have video to prove it!
Fast forward to today, there are many wonderful, and safe, options for keeping all manner of flying insects away. The Mosquito Plant aka Citronella is a commonly known plant with that lemony scent but is actually a geranium! True Citronella Oil is harvested from Lemongrass leaves and this oil combined with Lavender, Rosemary and Mint to name a few can provide an effective weapon against bug bites. Planting Basil, Catnip and Marigolds can also benefit your outdoor spaces.
As for lemony goodness in the kitchen, I like to use older lemons to clean with; adding some baking soda for the sink and stove top! But I know you’d like to try a lovely fresh lemony dish this summer that is simple, tasty and will wow your guests! Served warm or cold, this pasta dish can’t miss! Also, all that garlic will add another layer of bug repellant!
Linguine with Gremolata
From Vegan Planet
Gremolata
3 Cloves of Garlic minced
Grated Lemon Zest of 1 lemon
2 Cups of Parsley chopped
1 lb Linguine Noodles
4 large Shallots
3 Cups of Oyster Mushrooms
1/4 Cup of Olive Oil
Mix the parsley, lemon zest & garlic together & put in the fridge for several hours.
Put a large pot of water on to boil for linguine. While pasta is cooking, add olive oil and heat the shallots in a large frying pan. Cook about 5 minutes and then add the oyster mushrooms. When the mushrooms are soft, add them to the drained linguine then add the Gremolata mixture from your fridge & the remaining olive oil. Toss and serve with some nice crusty Italian or French loaf and if you have a tasty white wine, with or without alcohol, it will round out this dish nicely.