Celebrating the Vibrant Versatility of Lemons
Pucker Up! June is National Lemon Month, a time to celebrate the vibrancy and flavor of one of the most versatile citrus fruits in the world.
Lemons are a hybrid between bitter orange (sour orange) and citron, the original citrus species that all other citrus fruits came from. In fact, some citrus that we consider lemons are actually citron hybrids or lemon hybrids.
There are dozens of different types of lemons. Here are the most popular and their distinctive flavor and texture notes:
Eureka: Known for their high acidity, juicy content, and round shape, Eureka lemons are a staple in grocery stores and are favored for cooking and baking. According to Jerry James Stone, Eureka lemons are the most common lemon variety grown in California.
Lisbon: Lisbon lemons are another popular grocery store option, characterized by their high juice yield and vigorous growth. According to Greg App, they are known for their adaptable growth.
Meyer: Meyer lemons stand out for their sweeter and less acidic flavor compared to traditional lemons, making them popular for baking and desserts.
Ponderosa: Ponderosa lemons are notable for their large size, resembling grapefruits, and a less acidic flavor.
Genoa: Genoa lemons are known for their cold hardiness, making them suitable for colder climates, and their shrub-like growth habit, which facilitates easy harvesting. According to Allrecipes, they are also known for their easy harvesting.
Health Benefits of Lemons
Lemons contain lots of good-for-your health properties and consuming them not only plays a role in maintaining good health, but they also work as a preventative to illnesses due to their rich antioxidant content and beneficial compounds.
5 Key Health Benefits of Lemons include:
Boosted Immunity: Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system.
Improved Digestion: Lemon juice can stimulate digestive enzymes, aiding in the breakdown of food and potentially relieving indigestion.
Kidney Stone Prevention: Citric acid in lemons may help prevent kidney stone formation by increasing urine citrate levels.
Skin Health: Vitamin C in lemons helps with collagen production, which is crucial for healthy and youthful skin. It can also help improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
Cardiovascular Health: Research suggests that lemons may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke due to their vitamin C content and other beneficial compounds.
Lemons also play a critical role in helping to keep us hydrated, even in colder months. Hydration is crucial to overall health as it plays a vital role in regulating body temperature and transporting nutrients to cells. Drinking lemon water not only helps maintain proper hydration, which is important for various bodily functions, but helps regulate body temperature and removes waste more effectively.
The combination of hydration and the zesty taste of lemon can also help fight off fatigue and act as a natural pick-me-up to your energy level, while indirectly supporting weight loss by promoting hydration and potentially reducing appetite.
The powerful lemon packs a flavorful and health-forward punch every time!
If you do not have lemons at home or they are out of season in your area, try True Lemon, 0 calorie unsweetened real crystallized lemon packets for water, tea or food recipes. All of the flavor, none of the squeezy mess and super convenient when you are on the go. It’s always sunshine in a glass!
For more information on the benefits of lemons, check out the Benefits of True Lemon
