Citrus limon

Citrus limon

Citrus limon, commonly known as the lemon, is a species of small evergreen tree in the flowering plant family Rutaceae, native to Asia. The tree's ellipsoidal yellow fruit is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world, primarily for its juice, which has both culinary and cleaning uses. The pulp and rind (zest) are also used in cooking and baking.

Description

The lemon tree is an evergreen species that can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) tall. The leaves are dark green and shiny, while the flowers are white with a purple base and have a strong fragrance. The fruit is oval, with a pronounced nipple at the apex, and is typically bright yellow when ripe.

History

Lemons are thought to have first grown in Assam (a region in northeast India), northern Burma or China. A study of its genetic origin reported that it is a hybrid between bitter orange (Citrus × aurantium) and citron (Citrus medica).

Lemons entered Europe near southern Italy no later than the second century AD, during the time of Ancient Rome. However, they were not widely cultivated. They were later introduced to Persia and then to Iraq and Egypt around 700 AD. The lemon was first recorded in literature in a 10th-century Arabic treatise on farming, and was also used as an ornamental plant in early Islamic gardens.

Cultivation

Lemons are cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates. They require a warm climate with adequate rainfall or irrigation. The trees are sensitive to cold and frost, which can damage the fruit and flowers.

Major Producers

The leading producers of lemons include India, Mexico, China, Argentina, and Brazil.

Uses

Culinary

Lemon juice is used to make lemonade, soft drinks, and cocktails. It is also used in marinades for fish and meat, as well as in salad dressings. The zest of the lemon is used to add flavor to baked goods, desserts, and other dishes.

Non-Culinary

Lemon juice is used for cleaning purposes due to its acidic nature. It is also used in the cosmetic industry for its fragrance and potential skin benefits.

Nutritional Value

Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C, providing 64% of the Daily Value in a 100 g serving. They also contain small amounts of vitamin B6, iron, and calcium.

Health Benefits

Lemons are known for their potential health benefits, including:

• Boosting the immune system due to high vitamin C content.
• Aiding digestion and detoxification.
• Supporting heart health by improving cholesterol levels.

References

• Morton, J. F. (1987). "Lemon." In: Fruits of warm climates. Julia F. Morton, Miami, FL. pp. 160–168.
• Karp, David (2006). "Lemon." In: The Oxford Companion to Food. Oxford University Press.

External Links

• Lemon on Wikipedia
• Lemon Varieties at UCR