‘Meyer’ lemon was introduced from China in 1908. While not a true lemon, its fruit are used as a lemon substitute despite being much less acid than true lemons. Because of its popularity in south Texas, ‘Meyer’ lemon is known locally as Valley lemon.

What is so special about Meyer lemons?

Their skin is smoother than that of a regular lemon. And they’re smaller in size and more round than regular lemons. When it comes to taste, it’s easy to tell a Meyer lemon from a regular lemon. They are less acidic and sweeter in taste.

Is there a cross between a lemon and an orange?

Meyer lemons (Citrus x meyeri) is a cross between a lemon and a sweet orange. Originally developed in China, the Meyer lemon was introduced to California in 1908.

What are Meyer lemons used for?

Much like standard lemons, Meyer lemons can be used in a variety of ways. The peel can be candied or zested into sweet and savory dishes. The juice can be used to make lemonade, cocktails, or in baking or cooking to brighten up a dish.

What are the best lemons in the world?

9 Most Popular lemons in the world

  • Limone Femminello del Gargano. Gargano.
  • Limone Interdonato Messina. Metropolitan City of Messina.
  • Limone di Rocca Imperiale. Rocca Imperiale.
  • Limone di Siracusa. Province of Syracuse.
  • Limone dell’Etna. Catania.
  • Limone Costa d’Amalfi. Province of Salerno.
  • Citron de Menton. Menton.
  • Eureka Lemon.

Why are Meyer lemons so expensive?

Meyer lemon season usually begins in late November or early December and ends by March. Their limited window of availability, coupled with their more fragile nature (which makes shipping them more difficult), naturally makes them more expensive than hardier, year-round regular lemons too.

Are Meyer lemons healthier than regular lemons?

Meyer lemons have a unique sweetness all their own that sets them well apart from the rest. Citrus fruits have a distinctive nutrition profile, and Meyer lemons are no exception! They are high in vitamin C, folate, and phytonutrients called flavanones, which have antioxidant and anticancer properties.

Should I refrigerate Meyer lemons?

Lemons are best kept in the fridge—period. Stashed in the fridge in the crisper drawer or on a shelf, fresh lemons will keep for a week or more. If you really want your lemons to last, pop them in a sealed container (there are even specialty produce keepers for this purpose) or a zip-top bag.

Can a lemon tree survive outside the valley?

Lemons are among the most cold sensitive of all citrus. Because of the likelihood of damaging temperatures in most of Texas, lemon trees cannot be expected to survive for long outside the Valley unless special efforts are provided for cold protection.

Where do lemons come from in the Rio Grande Valley?

Although most Texans know true lemons, which mostly come from California and Arizona, Valleyites also know ‘Ponderosa’ and ‘Meyer’ lemon. All three types are common in home plantings in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Lemons are among the most cold sensitive of all citrus.

What kind of lemons are popular in South Texas?

Because of its popularity in south Texas, ‘Meyer’ lemon is known locally as Valley lemon. Unfortunately, ‘Meyer’ lemon is the “Typhoid Mary” of citrus, having been the source of citrus tristeza virus diseases which have the potential to destroy the Texas citrus industry.

What kind of fruit does a lemon tree have?

Its fruit, which are moderately seedy, resemble a large orange in shape, peel color and pulp color. The tree is spreading and relatively small, nearly thornless and more cold tolerant than true lemons.