Ever wonder about the origin of the lemon you pick up as you shop for the ingredients to your favorite recipes?
Lemons have a wonderful history and over the centuries many cultures have adapted lemons and citrus fruits for a bounty of beneficial uses. It is believed that lemons are native to the region of Southeast Asia between India and South China.
Zesty lemons from California and Arizona are available all year. These two states produce 95% of the U.S. crop. Bright yellow, tart and tangy, lemons are a versatile element of today's healthy diet.
The two major varieties of lemons are the Lisbon and Eureka; they are so similar that even experts can't always tell them apart!
The Meyer lemon, actually a cross between a lemon and possibly an orange or a mandarin, was named for Frank N. Meyer who first discovered it in 1908.
Thin-skinned and slightly less acidic than the Lisbon and Eureka lemons, Meyer lemons need more care when shipping and are not typically commercially grown.
The Lemon
A tart citrus fruit used to make everything from household cleaners to lemonade and other fab foods like cake, cookies and pie.
The lemon offers substantial health benefits also. From the familiar hot "toddy" lemon drink to help clear up your cold to natural health and beauty products.
TIPS:
- In cool coastal areas, lemons can be harvested almost year-round.
- In colder climates, plant Meyer lemons, which are hardier than the standard varieties, Lisbon and Eureka.
- Meyer lemons are not as sour as standard lemons, and the trees are smaller (6-8 ft).
TREE PLANTING STEPS:
- Purchase a lemon variety adapted to your area. Most lemon trees are very sensitive to frost and grow best where winters are mild.
- Plant the tree in a warm, sunny area where the soil drains well. Planting next to a house or under an eave will provide some frost protection.
- Water the tree deeply once every 7 to 10 days in midsummer (newly planted trees may need more frequent watering until established). Water less often if it rains or if the weather is cool.
- Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic matter under the canopy of the tree to conserve moisture.
- Fertilize every four to six weeks from February to August.
- Prune trees every year or two to keep them within bounds and easy to pick. Cut back new growth by one-fourth to one-third.
- Protect trees from frost if temperatures are forecast to drop below 30 degrees F.
- Harvest lemons when fruit reaches full size and color. Timing will vary by variety and growing area.
JUICING
A lemon at room temperature will yield more juice.Before juicing, press down firmly and roll the lemon on the kitchen counter to break up the pulp before juicing.
FREEZING
Freeze the juice in ice cube trays, when frozen save in a plastic bag.
Grate lemon zest; seal tightly in plastic bag and freeze.
COOKING
Put lemon wedges inside the cavity of a whole chicken.
Tenderize meat by marinating it in lemon juice.
Squeeze lemon on vegetables while steaming, to keep the colors bright.
Add it to rice while cooking to make it fluffier.
DINING
If you are serving wine with your meal, substitute fresh lemon juice for vinegar in salad dressings.
A few drops of lemon juice improves the taste of other fruits.
If you are reducing your sodium or fat intake, try squeezing a wedge of fresh lemon on seafood, salads, or steamed vegetables. You'll never miss the salt or butter!
Add the grated zest of fresh lemon to recipes for added intensity in cakes and cookies.
Add slices of fresh lemon to a glass of water. It has visual appeal and makes the water taste and smell better.
HOUSEHOLD
A bowl of fresh lemons will add fragrance and color to a room for days.
Add sliced lemons into the water of a vase of cut flowers for a clean, fresh look.
©2006 Lavish Lemon, Inc. All rights reserved. Any use of this site is strictly prohibited. Lavish Lemon, Inc. reserves the right to change the site without notice. Design and maintenance for Nature Mart is done by YOURCOMPANY.com. No animals were harmed during the construction and testing of this web site. Please recycle and call your mother.