This website uses cookies, pixels, and other tracking technologies to personalize content, analyze how our site and apps are used, and create aggregated statistics.
We disclose data about site and app users to third parties so we can target our ads to you on other websites, and those third parties may use that data for their own purposes.
For more information on how we collect, use, and disclose this information, please review our
Privacy Policy.
Continued use of this site means you consent to our Privacy Policy.
Lemons are small to medium fruits, averaging 5 to 12 centimeters in length, and have an ovate to oblong shape with pointed, curved ends. The rind, also known as the peel, is generally pale to bright yellow and bears many small, fragrant oil glands, creating a textured and glossy, finely pitted surface. Underneath the rind, there is a semi-thin, white pith with a spongy, cotton-like consistency, encasing 8 to 11 segments of soft, tender flesh. The pale-yellow flesh is comprised of translucent sacs filled with juice and pulp, and some Lemon varieties contain a few seeds, while other cultivars are found seedless. Lemons will vary in texture and flavor, depending on the variety, but the fruits are known for their complex, bright, and acidic flavors with floral, sweet-tart, and tangy undertones.
Seasons/Availability
Lemons are available year-round.
Current Facts
Lemons are ancient, aromatic fruits that grow on evergreen trees reaching between 3 to 10 meters in height, belonging to the Rutaceae family. The name Lemon is a descriptor used to encompass many different varieties of flowering plants with fruits, and true Lemons, or Lemons that are primarily found in modern-day markets, are botanically classified as Citrus limon. Lemons are among the most common types of citrus commercially produced and grown in home gardens worldwide, highly favored for their acidic, sour flavoring and sweet, aromatic scent. The fruits are not typically consumed as fresh-eating citrus, but the oils, juice, and rind have been traditionally incorporated into culinary, medicinal, and household applications for thousands of years. Within the Citrus limon species, Eureka and Lisbon Lemons are the two main varieties grown for commercial use in North America. These cultivars are sold and utilized interchangeably year-round in grocery stores under the general Lemon name.
Nutritional Value
Lemons are an excellent source of fiber to stimulate the digestive tract and vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, boost collagen production within the skin, and reduce inflammation. The fruits are also a good source of potassium, copper, vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, and iron. In addition to vitamins and minerals, Lemons have been used in traditional medicines as a natural diuretic, bleaching agent, and as a protective medicine against some infections and diseases such as scurvy.
Applications
Lemons are versatile fruits utilized as a flavoring in both raw and cooked, sweet and savory applications. The fruits can be sliced and used as an edible garnish with roasted meats, tacos, or wedged on the side of beverages, and the slices can be squeezed as a finishing element. Lemons can also be juiced and used to cut through rich flavors in salad dressings, dips, marinades, and sauces, or it can be used to brighten soups, whipped cream, and rich, cheesy pasta dishes. Beyond savory preparations, Lemons are used as a flavoring for baked goods, including pies, cakes, muffins, and tarts, or the juice is mixed into puddings, icings, sherbet, bars, marmalades, and curds. It is important to note that Lemon juice can be found in many forms, utilized fresh, thawed from frozen, or blended with other ingredients from concentrate and cans. In addition to the juice, the peel can be zested for cookies, salads, grain bowls, or meats, or it can be sliced and candied as a sweet dessert. Lemon zest and juice are also used to accent cocktails, lemonades, sparkling waters, and other beverages. In African and Middle Eastern countries, Lemons are preserved in salt and are eaten as a sweet and sour condiment. Lemons pair well with aromatics such as garlic, onions, and capers, cheeses such as parmesan, mozzarella, and gruyere, potatoes, other fruits such as nectarines, peaches, and pears, herbs such as parsley, mint, rosemary, and thyme, vanilla, and meats such poultry, turkey, and fish. Whole, unwashed Lemons will keep for a couple of days at room temperature and 1 to 2 weeks when stored in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Freshly squeezed juice will also last up to 2 weeks in the fridge. When frozen, the juice will keep for 3 months.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Menton, France, the Fete du Citron, also known as the Menton Lemon Festival, showcases Lemons in giant parade floats and garden art pieces. The annual celebration was created in 1928 as a private event to attract the wealthy winter residents of the French Riviera to the city of Menton. At the time, Menton was the primary producer of Lemons in Europe, and the festival combined citrus, sightseeing, and food with the theatrical elements of carnival to create a unique, celebratory winter event. The festival quickly gained notoriety after the first few years, and eventually, it expanded into a public event, now lasting for almost the entire month of February. In the modern-day, the Fete du Citron is the second largest winter celebration on the French Riviera, attracting over 240,000 attendees. The festival features a large parade with floats decorated with citrus, all centered around a yearly theme, and there is also a garden filled with elaborate sculptures made from Lemons and other citrus varieties. Over 140 tonnes of citrus are used to decorate the floats and sculptures, and at the end of the festival, the fruits are sold at low prices to visitors. In addition to attracting tourists, the Fete du Citron is also used to encourage visitors to explore the city of Menton, as the sweet and aromatic scent of citrus wafts through the historical streets, creating a nostalgic, whimsical atmosphere.
Geography/History
Lemons are descendants of wild species native to a region spanning across Northeastern India, Northern Myanmar, to Western Yunnan in Asia. In ancient times as the world’s climate began to change, the wild fruits were spread into the rest of Asia and Southeast Asia, where humans bred them for thousands of years. Lemons were introduced to Egypt sometime before 700 CE and to the Mediterranean around 1000 CE. The hybrid fruits were brought to the New World through Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the 15th and 16th centuries, and Lemons were officially grown in California and Florida in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today Lemons are cultivated in mild and warm, tropical to subtropical climates worldwide and are valued for both commercial and home garden use.
Supermarket Magnum
Almagul microdistrict 18 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
South African lemons imported to Kazakhstan…South African lemons are admired for their bright, acidic flavor with floral, sweet-tart, and tangy undertones. These small to medium-sized fruits are usually oval or oblong with pointed, curved ends and a pale to bright yellow rind. Their soft, tender flesh is encased in a semi-thin, spongy white pith and contains translucent sacs filled with juice and pulp. Some varieties are seedless, enhancing their convenience and appeal.
Lemons are incredibly versatile fruits, often used in sweet and savory dishes. Their juice can enhance rich flavors in salad dressings, marinades, and soups, or add brightness to baked goods like pies and cakes. Lemon zest is prized for flavoring cookies, meats, or drinks like cocktails and lemonades. In African and Middle Eastern cuisines, lemons are preserved in salt for use as a tangy condiment. Stored properly, whole lemons can last 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge, while frozen juice keeps for 3 months.
Supermarket Magnum
Кульджинский тракт 106, Алматы 050019, Казахстан
Turkish lemons imported to Kazakhstan. …Lemons are ancient fruits that grow on evergreen trees reaching heights of 3 to 10 meters and belong to the Rutaceae family. They are botanically classified as Citrus limon and are widely appreciated for their acidic, sour flavor and aromatic scent. While typically not consumed fresh, their oils, juice, and rind have been used for thousands of years in culinary, medicinal, and household applications, showcasing their incredible versatility and health benefits.
Supermarket "Magnum"
Almagul 18A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Egyptian lemons imported to Kazakhstan….Lemons: These fruits originated from wild species in Northeastern India, Northern Myanmar, and Western Yunnan in Asia. They spread across Asia and Southeast Asia through human cultivation. Lemons reached Egypt before 700 CE, the Mediterranean by 1000 CE, and the New World via Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the 15th and 16th centuries. By the 18th and 19th centuries, they were grown in California and Florida, thriving in mild to subtropical climates globally.
Lemons are known for their bright, acidic flavors with tangy, sweet-tart undertones and floral notes. They have a pale to bright yellow rind, often dotted with oil glands, which give it a glossy, textured appearance. Inside, the pale-yellow flesh is divided into 8 to 11 juicy segments, surrounded by a spongy white pith. Some lemon varieties are seedless, while others contain a few seeds, and their size typically ranges from 5 to 12 centimeters in length.
Lemons are incredibly versatile. They enhance flavors in both raw and cooked dishes, from salad dressings, dips, and rich pastas to pies, muffins, and curds. Their zest can garnish meats and salads or even be candied for dessert. Preserved in salt, they're a sweet-sour condiment in African and Middle Eastern cuisines. Stored properly, whole lemons last up to 2 weeks in the fridge, while frozen juice remains usable for 3 months.
Reyna fruits and vegetable store
Baganashyl microdistrict, Vostochnaya street, Almaty, Kazak
Juicy and fragrant lemons of Uzbekistan…Lemons: These ancient fruits grow on evergreen trees up to 10 meters tall and are botanically classified as Citrus limon. Renowned for their sour taste and fragrant aroma, lemons are not commonly eaten fresh but are prized for their juice, oils, and rind, used in culinary and medicinal practices for thousands of years. They're rich in vitamin C and fiber, aiding digestion and immune health, and also contain potassium, copper, calcium, and magnesium.
Magnum
Almagul 18A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Uzbek organic lemons imported to Kazakhstan…Lemons have a fascinating history, originating in Northeastern India and surrounding areas before spreading throughout Asia due to changing climates. Introduced to Egypt before 700 CE and the Mediterranean around 1000 CE, they later made their way to the New World via Spanish and Portuguese explorers during the 15th and 16th centuries. By the 18th and 19th centuries, lemons were officially grown in California and Florida, thriving in subtropical climates globally.
SMall supermarket
7 лин. 126, Алматы 050057, Казахстан
Uzbek organic lemons imported to Kazakhstan…Lemons: These small to medium-sized fruits include 8 to 11 juicy segments packed beneath a finely textured, fragrant yellow rind. Known for their bright acidity, their flavor balances floral, tangy, and sweet-tart tones, offering a versatile taste profile. Some lemon varieties come seedless, while others have seeds nestled within their pale-yellow translucent pulp.
Magnum
Almagul 18A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
My favorite Uzbek lemons are very rich in flavor,,,Uzbek lemons are known for their versatility beyond being rich in flavor. Their juice can elevate pasta dishes, brighten soups, and enhance baked goods like pies and cakes. The peel or zest can add depth to cookies, salads, or even beverages. In Middle Eastern cuisine, lemons are preserved in salt as a tangy condiment. Unwashed lemons stay fresh for days at room temperature or weeks in the fridge, while frozen juice lasts up to 3 months.