30+ Lemons

Lemon is thought to be a natural hybrid that formed from a citron and a bitter orange (which itself is a pomelo-mandarin hybrid) in the Himalayas. Lemon cultivation reached Sicily and Europe, around 1000 AD, during the Arab Agricultural Revolution.

A Hindu tradition is for new car owners to drive over 4 lemons to protect the car from accidents. Conversely, the California 'lemon laws' state that manufacturers have to replace vehicles that have turned out to be 'a lemon'.

Lemons are high in vitamin C. They also contain B1, B5, B6, B9, potassium, iron and copper. Their phytonutrients are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. They support immunity and heart health and increase absorption of beta-carotenes.

Lemons can be made into juices and cocktails, sorbet and ice creams. They are made into desserts (lemon meringue pie), cakes (lemon drizzle cake), puddings and biscuits. Lemon is also used in savoury dishes such as paella, risotto, pasta, lemon orzo soup, gremolata and in marinades.