When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, but what if you have got a lemon that you have never seen before? Even people who have been cooking or gardening for a long time don’t realize that many different types of lemons exist. In reality, plants have relatively more species than animals combined, and each plant type has many different subspecies.
Types of Lemons
When we hear the word lemon, a round yellow-shaped fruit comes to mind, but is that the only type of lemon out there? Well! No. You can find many different lemon tree varieties worldwide; not all of them bear the round-shaped yellow fruit we are traditionally familiar with. So let’s take a look at some of the different types of lemons that can be found worldwide.
Ponderosa Lemons
The name Ponderosa is taken from the Latin word Ponderosus which directly translates to Pine Tree. It is a hybrid fruit that is a combination of Citron and Lemon. Ponderosa lemons originated in the 1880s in the state of Maryland, USA. Ponderosa lemons are unique types of lemons and have unique shapes. They are known to have thick, dry and bumpy skin. It is also very cold-sensitive, so it shouldn’t be stored in refrigerators.
Baboon Lemons
Baboon lemons are very easily identifiable due to their bright yellow color. These lemons originated in Brazil but can also be found in other parts of South and North America.
Citron Lemons
Citron lemons are considered one of the largest types of lemons. Citron lemons can even grow up to 10 pounds. These lemons aren’t that juicy, so their rinds are the more preferable part of the lemon. They are not only used in culinary, but they are also used for their health and medicinal benefits as well.
Buddha’s Hand Lemons
They are undoubtedly the most uniquely shaped lemons on this list. They are also known as finger citron lemons because of their unique finger-type shape. The Buddha Hand Lemon does not have any juice in them however they are still used for its unique taste and fragrance. Its fragrance is also one reason Chinese culture considers it a spiritual and sacred fruit.
Eureka Lemons
Eureka lemons can be found all around the world. They are one of the most widely available lemon types. The best thing about Eureka Lemons is that they can be grown all around the year, which is why many farmers tend to grow this type of lemon. A prominent nipple distinguishes them at one end of the lemon. These lemons are cold-sensitive and grow better in warmer regions.
Meyer Lemons
One of the few hybrid lemons on this list. Meyer Lemons are also known as Mylar Lemons. Meyer Lemon trees are very popular in China and are usually used as ornamental plants in the country. Meyer Lemons are very sweet. Their sweetness comes from these lemons combining an orange fruit with a lemon. The orange aspect also gives this lemon its orange-yellow color. Like Eureka Lemons, Meyer Lemons also bear fruit throughout the year. Many professional cooks prefer Meyer lemons when they think about making Lemon tarts. The taste and texture of Meyer lemons make them a perfect ingredient for lemon tarts.
Organic Lemons
Organic lemons don’t belong to one species. All types of lemons can have organic counterparts. The world is moving towards a more organic diet. People these days prefer to eat organic and healthy food. Lemons produced without the help of chemicals like pesticides and insecticides are known as organic lemons. Organic lemons are always in high demand due to the current health trends.
Bonnie Brae Lemons
These lemons are native to the United States of America, mainly in the San Diego region. They have smooth skin and are one of the few seedless lemon types. These lemon trees are known to be extinct however there hasn’t been any official word by the respective authorities about this.
Dorshapo Lemons
Dorshapo Lemons are one of the sweetest types of lemons. Three farmers collectively developed the lemon. The name Dorshapo came from the combination of the names of the three farmers, i.e., Shamel, Dorsett, and Popenoe. These lemons are less acidic than many other types of lemons.
Bush Lemons
Bush Lemons are native to Australia. Their unique and raggedy skin can easily distinguish them. Their skin is thick and has bumps in it. They have a strong citric flavor that creates a great culinary experience. The lemon does not have large proportions of juice, but it can still add a unique taste to the food. The lemon has a round shape, but the bumps in the lemon’s skin make it unique and different.
Lisbon Lemons
Lisbon lemons are slightly similar in shape to Eureka Lemons. They both have a nipple at one end. However, there are many differences between both types of lemons as well. The Lisbon Lemon has a somewhat pointed end. These trees produce fruit twice every year. They grow better in colder temperatures and should be stored in refrigerators. They have smooth and thick skin with bright yellow colors.
These are some of the little-known types of lemons. In addition to these, you can also find a variety of other types of lemons as well. Some of these lemons can only be found in specific locations, while others can be grown anywhere worldwide. Each type of lemon offers a unique blend of taste, aroma, and benefits, so make sure to choose the right type of lemon per your needs and preferences.