Lemons are one of the most popular and versatile citrus fruits in the world. They are used for culinary and non-culinary purposes, such as making lemonade, lemon meringue pie, cleaning, and beauty treatments. But did you know that lemons have many relatives in the citrus family? Some of them may surprise you!
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What is a lemon?
A lemon is a small, yellow, ellipsoidal fruit that grows on a small evergreen tree. The scientific name of the lemon is Citrus × limon, which indicates that it is a hybrid species. The exact origin of the lemon is unknown, but some experts believe that it was created as a hybrid of lime and citron, two other citrus fruits.
The lemon has a sour taste due to its high content of citric acid, which makes up about 5% to 6% of its juice. The juice of the lemon is widely used for its flavor and health benefits, as it is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. The pulp and rind of the lemon are also edible and can be used for cooking and baking.
What are some common relatives of the lemon?
Lemons belong to the broader category of citrus fruit, which also includes limes, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, and many more. Citrus fruits are characterized by their juicy segments, aromatic oils, and acidic taste. They are native to Asia and have been cultivated for thousands of years.
Some of the common relatives of the lemon are:
– **Lime**: A lime is a green, round, or oval fruit that is smaller than a lemon. It has a more acidic and bitter taste than a lemon and is often used for its juice and zest. Limes are thought to be one of the parents of the lemon, along with citron.
– **Citron**: A citron is a large, yellow, thick-rinded fruit that has very little juice and pulp. It is mainly used for its fragrant peel, which can be candied or preserved. Citrons are also believed to be one of the ancestors of the lemon, as well as other citrus fruits like grapefruit and pomelo.
– **Mandarin orange**: A mandarin orange is a small, orange, thin-skinned fruit that has a sweet and juicy flesh. It is easy to peel and segment and can be eaten fresh or used for salads, desserts, and jams. Mandarin oranges are closely related to lemons, as they can cross-pollinate and produce hybrids like tangerines and clementines.
– **Kumquat**: A kumquat is a tiny, oval or round fruit that has an edible skin and a sour-sweet flesh. It can be eaten whole or used for preserves, sauces, and liqueurs. Kumquats are sometimes considered to be a separate genus from citrus, but they can also hybridize with lemons and other citrus fruits.
What are some less common relatives of the lemon?
Lemons have many more relatives in the citrus family that are less known or cultivated. Some of them are:
– **Hyuganatsu**: A hyuganatsu is a yellow or green fruit that is similar to a grapefruit in size and shape. It has a sour-sweet taste and a thick peel that can be candied or used for zest. Hyuganatsu is native to Japan and is thought to be a hybrid between yuzu (a Japanese citrus) and pomelo.
– **Finger lime**: A finger lime is a cylindrical fruit that has a green or pink skin and tiny juice vesicles that resemble caviar. It has a sour-tart taste and can be used as a garnish or flavoring for seafood, salads, and cocktails. Finger lime is native to Australia and is considered a gourmet bushfood.
– **Ginger lime**: A ginger lime is a round or oval fruit that has a green or yellow skin and a very sour juice with an aroma of ginger or eucalyptus. It is mainly used for its medicinal properties, as it can help with digestion, nausea, and colds. Ginger lime is native to Assam (a region in northeast India) and Bangladesh.
– **Koji orange**: A koji orange is an orange or yellow fruit that has a smooth skin and a sweet-sour flesh. It is mainly used for making marmalade or candied peel. Koji orange is native to Japan and Taiwan.
Conclusion
Lemons have many relatives in the citrus family that share some characteristics but also have their own unique features. Some of them are more common than others, but all of them can offer different flavors, aromas, and benefits. Next time you see a lemon-like fruit in the market or in your garden, you may want to give it a try and discover a new citrus delight!.
