Lemon fruits

Types of lemon fruits

There are some common types of lemons that are usually seen in grocery stores. All of them vary in size, shape, and color despite being the same lemon fruit.

• Eureka lemons

  The Eureka lemon is one of the most common lemon varieties used in stores today. It has a bright yellow color, a juicy tart flavor, and a thick skin. Besides that, it is also very juicy and has a strong acidic taste. This variety is available all year round because it does not have a specific growing season.

• Lisbon lemons

  Lisbon lemons are similar to Eureka lemons since they are both bright yellow and have a thick bumpy skin. Lisbon lemons are larger than Eureka lemons and have a sharper and more acidic flavor. They are also used in food and drinks and produce high amounts of lemon oil.

• Ponderosa lemons

  Ponderosa lemons are distinct for their enormous size and thick peels. They resemble fruits in the tropics and are a hybrid of a lemon and a citron. Lisbon and Eureka lemons are also smaller than ponderosa lemons. Ponderosa lemons also have a very strong acidic flavor that may be too intense for some people. Because of their size and acidity, they are rarely found in the market or used in cooking and making beverages.

• Femminello lemons

  The Femminello lemon is mostly found in Italy, especially in the Amalfi region. The lemon plant produces lemon fruit all year round and is therefore called the four seasons lemon. Femminello lemons have a thin skin, a juicy white pulp, and a bright yellow color. Femminello lemons are ideal for making lemoncello because of their high juice content.

• Monterey lemons

  Monterey lemons are a lemon variety that was first discovered in Monterey County, California. They are smaller than other lemon varieties but have a very rich oil content and are very aromatic. The lemons have a bright yellow color and a thin, smooth skin. They are ideal for making lemon beverages desserts and lemon fragrance products.

• Canary Island lemons

  Canary Island lemons are mostly grown in Canary Islands and are distinct from other lemon varieties because of their large size and pale yellow color. The lemon trees thrive in volcanic soil, which makes the lemons have a unique mineral taste. The lemons are very juicy and have a characteristic rich aroma.

How to use lemon fruits

Lemon fruits are used in the culinary industry to produce many food products and meals. Below are several innovative uses of lemons.

• Fresh lemon juice

  Lemon juice is one of the most popular lemon beverages made from freshly squeezed lemon. It is typically mixed with water and sugar to lessen the acidity before being consumed. Lemon juice can be used to make cocktails like whiskey sour and lemon drop martinis. It is also used to make nonalcoholic beverages like lemonade when mixed with sugar and water. Lemon juice can also be added to herbal teas to give it a refreshing taste.

• Lemon zest

  Zest is the outer peel of lemons that have no pulp but contain a lot of oils and sugars. Zest is mostly used in baking to provide baked foods like cakes, cookies, and muffins with citrus flavor. It can also be added to savory dishes like salads and marinades for deductions to provide a refreshing citrus feel. Adding zest to cocktails like lemon martini provides the drink with a sharp tangy flavor.

• Candied lemons

  Candied lemons are a popular lemon treatment where lemon peels or lemon slices are boiled in sugar syrup. The syrup helps mellow the bitterness in the lemon peels resulting in a sweet treat. Candied lemon peels can also be used as toppings on various desserts like cakes and pastries. Candied lemons are also dipped in chocolate to produce a sweet and bitter treat for customers.

• Lemon curd

  Lemon curd is a creamy and tangy spread made from lemon juice, sugar, butter, and eggs. Lemon curd is popular in the pastry industry where it is spread on cakes, tarts, and pastries. It can also be used as filling for pies and cakes and packed in jars for use as a spread.

• Limoncello

  Limoncello is a bright yellow lemon liqueur that originated in Italy but is now loved in many other countries. Dishes are made by steeping lemon peels in alcohol to extract the lemon oils and flavors. Limoncello is served as a digestif after meals. It can also be incorporated into other cocktails for a lemony kick.

• Dehydrated lemons

  Dehydrated lemons are lemons that have been air-dried or sun-dried until all moisture is gone. The dried lemon slices can be infused in hot beverages like tea to provide a citrus flavor. Dried lemons can also be ground into lemon powder for use in seasoning and making lemon oil. Whole dried lemons can be used in cooking with savory dishes for a strong lemon flavor.

Benefits of lemon fruits

Lemons not only have a refreshing tart flavor but also several nutritional benefits for the consumer. Below are some of the benefits of consuming lemons.

• High vitamin content

  Lemon fruits are high in vitamin C, which helps boost immunity within the body. They also contain vitamin B, which contributes to vitamin B formation and improves overall body functioning. Lemons also contain small amounts of vitamin A, which improves eyesight and skin health.

• Rich mineral content

  Lemon fruits contain potassium, which regulates heart functions and blood pressure in the body. Lemons also contain calcium, which is used to strengthen bones and teeth and improve overall bone health. Magnesium present in lemons supports the immune system and helps in protein formation.

• Improves digestion and gut health

  Lemons are a citrus fruit that is usually added to herbal teas to improve the digestion process in the body. It increases the production of digestive juices like bile and acid which help in food breakdown. Lemons also contain dietary fiber called pectin, which promotes healthy gut bacteria and facilitates easy bowel movements.

• Detoxification

  Lemon fruits are a natural detoxifier. They are usually mixed with water and herbal tea and drunk to help flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Lemons also contain citric acid which increases urine output and helps eliminate waste. This citric acid is also used in kidney stone prevention.

• Weight management

  Lemon juice is a citrus extract commonly added to water by people who want to reduce their weight. Citric acid in lemon helps boost metabolic rate and facilitates fat breakdown and weight loss. Lemons are also low in calories and high in water content which provides a feeling of fullness and reduces overreacting. Regular consumption of lemon extracts reduces the risk of accumulating visceral fat around the abdomen.

• Healthy skin and anti-aging properties

  Lemon oil and juice are commonly used in the cosmetic industry to improve skin care. Vitamin C and antioxidants reduce skin damage, sun exposure, and pollution and thus slow down the aging process. Lemon juice also acts as a natural astringent which helps to reduce pores, controls oil production, and minimizes acne. Lemon fruit also contains acidity which helps brighten the skin and reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

How to store lemon fruits

Storing lemons properly is essential to ensure that they retain their freshness, juiciness, and tart flavor.

• Refrigeration

  Lemons are best stored in the refrigerator since the cold atmosphere helps reduce their ripening rate. It helps lemons last longer by 3 to 4 weeks. Whole lemons can be stored in the crisper drawer or in a plastic bag with holes in it to allow for air circulation.

• Room temperature storage

  Room temperature storage is recommended for lemons that are to be used right away or within a week. A lemon kept at room temperature will be more aromatic, which will improve its freshness. Store whole lemons in a bowl or on the counter away from direct sunlight since they prefer cool, dark areas.

• Limoncello preparation

  Limoncello is an alcoholic lemon beverage prepared from lemon peels. It is usually prepared with lemons that are labeled as pesticide-free or organic. The lemon peels are steeped in alcohol to extract the lemon oils and then mixed with simple syrup to prepare lemoncello. Limoncello should be stored in a cool, dark place such as a refrigerator or freezer to keep it fresh and prevent it from oxidizing.

• Lemon juice storage

  If lemon juice is freshly squeezed, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. However, it is advisable to store lemon juice in the freezer for long-term storage. Frozen lemon juice can last for 6 months or more. Frozen lemon juice makes it easy to use later by storing it in ice cube trays and transferring the lemon cubes to a freezer bag. This makes it easily accessible in case of storage needs.

• Dehydrated lemons

  Dehydrated lemons are lemons that have been air-dried or sun-dried until all moisture is gone. The lemon slices can be placed on a drying rack or in a food dehydrator to fully dry of moisture. Dehydrated lemons should be stored in airtight containers kept in a cool, dark place to prevent them from becoming moist again or losing their flavor. They can also be ground into lemon powder and stored the same way.

Q&A

Are lemon fruits seasonal?

Lemon fruits grow all year round and do not have a specific fruiting season. However, there is certain peak freshness periods in the grocery stores depending on the variety of lemons.

Are lemon trees hardy?

Lemon trees thrive in warm and sunny environments with a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C. They become unhealthy and stop producing fruits when temperatures drop below 5°C or exceed 40°C.

Are lemon fruits hybrids?

Lemons are thought to be hybrids that first appeared in the wild. Lemon heritage is thought to be a cross between lime and citron. Lemon varieties can also be hybrids of other citrus fruits like oranges and Pomelo.

How many England cups are 100 grams of lemon zest?

One hundred grams of lemon zest is approximately equal to 2/3 of a cup. One of the essential elements in baking and cooking is lemon zest.

How long do lemon fruits last at room temperature?

A ripe lemon lasts about 3 to 5 days when stored at room temperature. However, when kept in the refrigerator, it can last up to 4 weeks.