Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Seasons/Availability
Lemon leaves are available year round.
Current Facts
The true lemon, Citrus limon is known as limone, limón, limón agria, limón real, or limón francés. It is a member of the family, Rutaceae. A lemon tree can reach up to 20 feet in height. Its branches are thorny, a natural defense mechanism, which makes harvesting the lemon leaves a challenge. Lemon leaves are utilized in many cultures throughout the world, though their commercial market is still minor and clearly secondary to the lemon tree's true commodity: fruit.
Description/Taste
Lemon leaves grow alternately along the branches of lemon trees. The leaves are ovate, oblong and fine toothed, coming to a point on the non-stem end. Lemon leaves have a glossy finish on the topside and matte on their underside. Young leaves are actually red and as they mature turn to a deep green. Lemon leaves are aromatic and slightly oily.
Applications
Lemon leaves are not just for decoration. They can be used for their aromatics, which are their singular non-decorative culinary attribute. The lemon leaves can be blanched and used to infuse teas, wrap seafood or meat and roasted, steamed or grilled. The lemon leaves and branches are also used as aromatic kindle for outdoor grilling.
Geography/History
The lemon tree's origins are traced back to northern India, where lemon trees are still found growing wild. Lemons were transported to and eventually cultivated in Africa, Europe and the New World. Lemons are known to tolerate drought and poor soil, though they are cold sensitive and require some rainfall for continuous growth. They grow most prolifically in Mediterraneanesque climates. Lemon trees that undergo stress and poor soil conditions will produce far less yields and consequently the leaves of the trees will also lack the quality desired for culinary use.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| Michele Coulon Dessertier | San Diego CA | 858-456-5098 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| La Costa Blue Fire | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Stevie's Catering | San Diego CA | 619-298-7706 |
| Town & Country San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-291-7131 |
| Lafayette Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Lemon Leaves. One
is easiest, three is harder.| The Independent |
|
Mozzarella Grilled Between Lemon Leaves |
| Saveur |
|
Grilled Chicken with Lemon Leaves |
| Taste |
|
Prawns Wrapped in Lemon Leaves |
| Fx Cuisine |
|
Sicilian Lemon Leaf Meatballs |
