Meyer Lemon

“The lemon, with its fascinating origins, boasts a rich and diverse history that spans over 2,500 years. Hailing from Southeast Asia, specifically Northeast India and Northern Myanmar, lemons found their way to the Mediterranean around the 9th century, courtesy of Arab traders. This citrus fruit quickly became an integral part of Mediterranean cuisine and medicinal practices. By the 15th century, lemon cultivation had taken root in Southern Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain. This cultivation marked the beginning of a culinary and cultural journey that would eventually see lemons journeying to the Americas through the efforts of explorers like Christopher Columbus. Today, lemons are celebrated for their tart, refreshing flavor, and their historical significance in culinary and medicinal applications remains evident. From their origins in Southeast Asia to their global presence, lemons have truly made an indelible mark on our world.”

Lemons have a rich history dating back around 2,500 years, believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, specifically in Northeast India and Northern Myanmar. Their cultivation spread to the Mediterranean region in the 9th century through Arab traders and explorers, significantly influencing the cuisine and medicinal practices of the area.

By the 15th century, lemon cultivation was firmly established in Southern Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain. European exploration and colonization further spread lemon trees, with Christopher Columbus and others introducing them to the Americas.

Lemons gained popularity in cooking, baking, and beverages due to their tart, refreshing flavor. Their high vitamin C content made them a valuable remedy for scurvy during long sea voyages.

Commercial lemon cultivation blossomed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in California and Florida, making these regions renowned for their lemon production.

Today, lemons are essential in global cuisine and are used in various culinary dishes, desserts, and beverages. They symbolize freshness, flavor, and vitality, serving not only as a versatile ingredient but also for their nutritional value and health benefits. Lemons remain a beloved and indispensable part of modern life worldwide, carrying a millennia-old history of utility and enjoyment

Nomenclature

Botanical Name Citrus × meyeri
Family Rutaceae
Genus Citrus
Species x limon
Types Eureka Lemon, Lisbon Lemon, Meyer Lemon, Ponderosa Lemon, Variegated Pink Lemon, Femminello St. Teresa (Sorrento) Lemon, Villa Franca Lemon, Lemonade Lemon

Planting Guide

Flowers

Flower Color: Purple/Lavender, White
Flower Inflorescence: Corymb
Flower Value To Gardener: Fragrant, Long Bloom Season
Flower Bloom Time: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Flower Petals: 4-5 petals/rays

Fruits

Fruit Color: Gold/Yellow, Green, Orange
Fruit Value To Gardener: Edible, Fragrant, Showy
Display/Harvest Time: Fall, Spring, Winter
Fruit Type: Berry
Fruit Length: > 3 inches
Fruit Width: > 3 inches
About lemon fruit: A type of thick-skinned berry called a hesperidium. Classic lemon shape, oval with pointed ends, green when immature and yellow to orange when ripe. Bears fruit mostly in fall and winter, but may produce in spring for houseplants. Can take 6-9 months to fully ripen. It tastes sweeter than common lemons.

Leaves

Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics: Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf Color: Green
Leaf Feel: Glossy, Smooth, Waxy
Leaf Value To Gardener: Long-lasting
Leaf Type: Simple
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Shape: Elliptical
Leaf Margin: Crenate, Entire
Hairs Present: No
Leaf Length: 3-6 inches

Collect Seeds

Select Ripe Lemons: Choose ripe lemons from your lemon tree. Ripe lemons are typically yellow or slightly orange, depending on the variety, and they should feel firm when gently squeezed.

Cut Open the Lemon: Use a sharp knife to cut the lemon open. You can cut it in half or into slices; the goal is to expose the seeds inside.

Remove Seeds: Carefully remove the seeds from the lemon flesh. You can use a knife or a spoon to gently scoop them out. Be gentle to avoid damaging the seeds.

Clean Seeds: Rinse the seeds in cool water to remove any remaining pulp or juice. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

Air Dry: Place the seeds on a paper towel or a clean cloth and let them air dry for a day or two. This helps remove any residual moisture.

Store Seeds: Once the seeds are completely dry, store them in a cool, dry place. You can place them in an envelope, a small bag, or a plastic container. Make sure to label them so you know they are lemon seeds.

Plant or Save: You can plant the lemon seeds in a pot or garden when you’re ready to grow new lemon trees. Alternatively, you can store them for future use. Lemon seeds can remain viable for several years if stored properly.

Harvest  

Lemons are typically ready for harvest when they reach their optimal ripeness, which is usually indicated by their color and firmness. Here are the general signs that a lemon is ready for harvest:

Color: Lemons are usually green when they’re immature, and they gradually turn yellow as they ripen. Depending on the lemon variety, they may turn a bright lemon yellow or have a slightly orange tint when fully ripe. The exact shade can vary, but a deep yellow color is a good indicator.

Firmness: Ripe lemons should feel firm to the touch but give slightly when you gently squeeze them. They shouldn’t be rock-hard or overly soft.

Size: Lemons should have reached their mature size, which varies by variety but is typically around 2 to 2.5 inches (5-6 cm) in diameter.

Glossy Skin: Ripe lemons often have a glossy, shiny appearance on their skin.

Aromatic Scent: When you scratch the skin of a ripe lemon, it should release a fragrant, citrusy scent.

Easy to Twist: If you gently twist a ripe lemon, it should detach easily from the tree without much effort.

Soil Texture Loam (Silt) , Sand
Soil Drainage Good Drainage , Moist
Soil Chemistry

pH of 6.0–7.0

Cultivation

Germination 1-2 weeks
Bloom fall and early spring

Temperature (Climate)
Temperature 50 to 70 °F (10 to 21 °C). During the summer months
Light full sun
Health Benefits

  • Rich in Vitamin C
  • Antioxidant Properties
  • Aid Digestion
  • Heart Health
  • Weight Management
  • Skin Health
  • Hydration
  • Alkalizing Effect
  • Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects
  • Enhanced Iron Absorption