Did you know that September 15th is National Linguine? That may not seem like a very interesting holiday, but we think it’s a big deal here at Pastamore! As one of the top Amherst restaurants, we take great pride in offering the best authentic Italian food around. However, with authentic comes the honoring of many traditions – like adding lemon onto your seafood.
But why is this? Why do so many squeeze lemon juice over seafood?
As it turns out, there are many reasons why lemon and seafood go together so well. Let’s take a look at the food science that makes lemon and seafood such a good match.
Lemon brings out the flavor.
Most seafood has a delicate flavor that is easily overpowered by other strong flavors. For example, white fish doesn’t have much of a flavor on its own. It tends to taste like whatever you cook it in. Lemon juice, however, also has a light flavor that enhances, rather than overpowers, the flavor of your seafood.
The chemistry makes fish less “fishy.”
There’s no getting around it, all fish has that distinctive “fishy” flavor. Fresh lemon juice squeezed over a filet or shellfish will cut that fishy flavor. Then the crisp, clean taste of lemon becomes the predominant flavor. Some people just really like lemon, and covering your seafood in it is an easy way to get a lot of lemon flavor into a dish.
Let’s face it, lemon smells nice.
The fishy flavor of fish is also often a fishy smell. And if you’ve ever handled fish to cook it, you know what can be a tough smell to get off your fingers. Fish is oily, and that oil bonds with your skin. It’s almost impossible to get it off your hands without a chemical aid. Luckily, citric acid, the main component of lemon juice, is fantastic for breaking up those oils and getting the smell off your fingers. It’s practical, tasty, and you’ll smell nice after you finish your dinner!
Authentic Experiences at Amherst Restaurants
Whether you love seafood or it’s something you like once in a while, Pastamore has the finest offerings in the area! Visit us on National Linguine Day and celebrate with the freshest pasta, delicious seafood, and – yes, you guessed it – lots of lemons!
