Meyer Lemon
Citrus × meyeriA citrus fruit thought to be a hybrid between a standard lemon and a mandarin or orange, with thin skin and a deeper yellow-orange color. It is sweeter and less tart than a classic lemon and is popular in American baking.
What Is a Meyer Lemon?
The Meyer lemon is a citrus fruit thought to be a natural hybrid between a standard lemon and a mandarin or orange. It is named after agricultural researcher Frank Meyer, who brought specimens from China to the United States in the early 20th century.
Its skin is thinner, smoother, and a deeper yellow-orange than a standard lemon; its flavor is sweeter, less acidic, and has mild mandarin-orange notes.
Meyer Lemon Nutrition Facts
One hundred grams of Meyer lemon contains about 29 kcal of energy and is high in vitamin C. Values vary by ripeness and are approximate.
How Should Meyer Lemons Be Consumed?
Meyer lemons can be eaten as fruit alongside other food groups as part of a balanced diet.
This is general information; Meyer lemon is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Meyer Lemons
A good Meyer lemon is deep yellow-orange, has smooth, thin skin, and feels relatively heavy (indicating plenty of juice). Greenish or very firm fruit is not yet ripe.
- The color should be deep yellow-orange, not greenish.
- The skin should be smooth and thin.
- It should feel relatively heavy in the hand (a sign of plenty of juice).
How to Store Meyer Lemons
Meyer lemons stay fresh for a few days at room temperature and a few weeks in the refrigerator; their thin skin gives them a shorter shelf life than standard lemons.
Using Meyer Lemons in the Kitchen
Meyer lemons are used most often in baking (cakes, tarts, and marmalade), salad dressings, and cocktails as a sweeter alternative to standard lemons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Meyer lemons be used instead of standard lemons?
Yes, but you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly because Meyer lemons are sweeter than standard lemons.
Why are Meyer lemons popular in baking?
They are less acidic and more aromatic, giving desserts a milder, more complex lemon flavor.
Are Meyer lemons available in Türkiye?
They are not widely available; they may be found in season at some gourmet produce shops and specialty fruit stores.