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A close photo of a lemon
NewFruits Citrus fruits

Lemon

The lemon is a bright yellow citrus fruit prized worldwide for its tart flavor, high vitamin C content, and versatility in both sweet and savory dishes. Lemons are used for their juice, zest, and pulp, making them a staple in kitchens and traditional remedies alike.

Did you know ?

  • 1 The average lemon contains about 5–6% citric acid, making it one of the most acidic fruits.
  • 2 Lemon juice can be used as a natural cleaning agent due to its acidity.
  • 3 Christopher Columbus brought lemon seeds to the Americas in 1493.

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Nutrition

Detailed nutritional values of lemons

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Values of an average lemon (~58g) - raw :

Calories17 kcal
Proteins0.6g
Carbohydrates5.4g
of which sugars1.5g
Fiber1.6g
Fats0.2g

Vitamins and minerals

Main vitamins

Vitamin CVitamin B9

Main minerals and trace elements

PotassiumZincMagnesium

Ripeness

How to know if a lemon is ripe ?

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A perfectly ripe lemon

Perfectly ripe

Ripe lemons are bright yellow, aromatic, and yield slightly to gentle pressure.

How to recognize this state :

  • Uniform bright yellow color
  • Smooth, slightly glossy skin
  • Feels heavy for its size (juicy)
  • Yields slightly when pressed
  • Strong, fresh citrus aroma
  • Thin skin relative to size
  • Juice is abundant and less bitter

Selection

How to choose lemons ?

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To choose quality lemons at the supermarket or market :

  • Look for lemons with bright, even yellow color and glossy skin
  • Select fruits that feel heavy for their size (indicating juiciness)
  • Avoid lemons with soft spots, blemishes, or wrinkled skin
  • Choose lemons that yield slightly to gentle pressure
  • A fresh, citrus aroma is a good sign of ripeness

Storage and ripening

How to store and ripen lemons ?

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How to store lemons ?

  • Store lemons at room temperature for up to one week, away from direct sunlight.
  • For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator crisper drawer, where they can last up to 3–4 weeks. To prevent drying out, store cut lemons in an airtight container in the fridge.

How to ripen lemons ?

If you bought unripe lemons, here's how to speed up the process :

  • Leave lemons at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, until fully yellow
  • Place lemons in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple to accelerate ripening
  • Store near other ripe citrus fruits to encourage ethylene exposure
  • Rotate lemons occasionally to ensure even ripening

Health

Health benefits of a lemon

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  • Extremely high in vitamin C, supporting immune health
  • Promotes hydration and aids digestion
  • Rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals
  • Supports heart health and may help lower blood pressure
  • Aids iron absorption from plant foods

Origin

What is the origin of lemons ?

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The lemon is believed to have originated in northeastern India, northern Burma, or China, and is a hybrid between the citron and the bitter orange. Lemons were introduced to the Mediterranean around the 2nd century AD and later spread worldwide, becoming essential in both culinary and medicinal traditions. Today, lemons are cultivated in subtropical and tropical regions across the globe.

Regions of origin

  • Northeastern India
  • Northern Burma (Myanmar)
  • China
  • Mediterranean Basin

Recipes

Cook a lemon according to its ripeness

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Unripe

  • Lemon-infused olive oil
  • Green lemon chutney
  • Zesty salad dressing

Perfectly ripe

  • Classic lemonade
  • Lemon meringue pie
  • Lemon chicken

Overripe

  • Lemon syrup
  • Lemon loaf cake
  • Candied lemon peel

F.A.Q

Frequently asked questions

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Warnings

Warnings and precautions for lemons

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  • Lemon juice can erode tooth enamel if consumed excessively.
  • Some people may experience skin irritation from lemon juice or zest.
  • Avoid contact with eyes, as lemon juice is highly irritating.
  • Lemons may interact with certain medications; consult your doctor if unsure.
  • Wash lemons thoroughly to remove pesticide residues if not organic.
  • Excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort due to acidity.

Do not confuse with

Lime

Similar in size and acidity, but limes are usually green, smaller, and have a different flavor profile.

Citron

A large citrus fruit with thick, bumpy skin and less juice than lemon.

Yuzu

East Asian citrus, more aromatic and seedy, with a unique flavor distinct from lemon.