Chef Xanthe Ross has revealed that a lemon is the one ingredient she always keeps close by, capable of instantly elevating almost any meal with minimal effort. Speaking exclusively to the Express, she explained that while staples like salt and olive oil are essential, a lemon is her secret weapon for bringing dishes to life.
Why a Lemon Is a Chef's Go-To Ingredient
"I would say a lemon," Ross said when asked which ingredient she always takes when cooking in places with limited equipment. "A lemon can finish pretty much any dish." She emphasized that a squeeze of lemon adds a burst of freshness, brightening rich pasta dishes, balancing roasted vegetables, lifting grilled meat and fish, and adding freshness to soups, salads, and dressings. The acidity helps cut through richer flavours, making meals taste fresher without the need for extra ingredients.
Practical Benefits of Lemons
Ross noted that lemons are particularly useful because they are easy to store, even when away from home. "A lemon is sturdy enough to not have to keep in the fridge," she said. "If you're on a really hot holiday, it's perfect to store anywhere." She also mentioned that lemons help make simple meals look more inviting: "I like having bowls of things out so it looks pretty."
Professional Chefs' Reliance on Citrus
Professional chefs have long relied on citrus to add balance to dishes, often squeezing lemon over food just before serving to preserve its bright, fresh flavour. According to Ross, this simple technique can transform a meal without the need for many extra ingredients.
AI and Travel Meal Planning
Alongside her cooking advice, Ross discussed how artificial intelligence can simplify travel and meal planning. She is partnering with Google Gemini to showcase how AI can act as a personalised travel companion, helping users research destinations, uncover hidden gems, and create tailored travel plans. One of the most useful prompts she used was asking Gemini to create an organised shopping list before travelling. "I think the most useful prompt is giving me an organised shopping list," she said. "Especially when you're planning a holiday, you're really busy in your real life and you don't have time to think about it. Making a detailed shopping list was probably the most useful thing for me."
For everyday cooking, however, her advice remains simple: keep a lemon handy.
