2006-06-25 09:02:32 · 4 answers · asked by Emerson 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Lemon juice contains an acid that denatures simple proteins. Most of these proteins have an odor due to their amine content. This actually has the same effect over time as cooking the fish. There are several dishes where the fish is actually 'cooked' by the lemon juice and spices.
Lemon juice does not act like a soap as the previous answer states.
2006-06-25 10:23:25 · answer #1 · answered by Favoured 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most of the fish smell is due to chemicals that are basic. Lemon juice is acidic, and the two chemicals react to do a neutralization. It does a pretty good job of eliminating the smell.
2006-06-25 16:19:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the fish is caught and killed the chemical make up turns alkaline. The acids from the lemon help to reduce the alkali and remove the fishy odor and taste.
The dish mentioned above in which the fish is cooked in citric acid juices is called Seviche'. Good stuff!
2006-06-26 17:41:56 · answer #3 · answered by The Good Humor Man 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
of course,
Lemon juice is an Acid which works the way soap works to remove small objects.
2006-06-25 16:21:44 · answer #4 · answered by matty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋