Lemons are the type of fruit that can never be missed at home, it has tons of uses from culinary to medicinal to cosmetics; and are you aware that there’s a lot of different types of lemons! That’s right, believe it or not, there are over 30 different varieties.
Like most of us, you probably used to think lemon is a simple type of fruit, widely known for its rich content of Vitamin C. That said, lemons actually come in many different varieties depending on the type of tree they come from.
You may be the kind of person that drinks lemon water instead of coffee in the morning and do it because you know how good it is for weight loss, skin quality, digestion, etc.
Even if you don’t like it or don’t use it in its fresh state, you may be consuming it in some other way like that refreshing lotion with lemon extract or that brightening face cream you use every day.
But lemons don’t stop there. Want to find out all the lemon varieties? Then you are in the right place. Learn how to differentiate all types of lemons and make the best use out of it, how to store it, different recipes, and much more.
Types Of Lemons
Lemons differ because there are numerous types of lemon trees, and these grow all over the world.
Lemon trees can grow in warm areas but also in cooler climates in indoor containers. It is actually fairly easy to grow a lemon tree and you can even have your own at home.
Find out all the different varieties, both commercial lemons and those you can grow in your backyard.
Avalon Lemon
This type of lemon is grown in Florida and is the one you regularly get from the market. This is often compared to the Lisbon lemon.
Bearss Lemon
Bearss lemon also comes from Florida and is also similar to Avalon and Lisbon. It is one of the most popular and user types and many opt for growing them in their home garden. It is considered superior quality and a good choice for its peel and lemon oil.
Buddha’s Hand Lemon
Also called Finger Citron Lemons, this type doesn’t have the regular lemon shape. It actually resembles fingers intertwining, hence the name.
This lemon type grows in China and is known for its nice aroma, it is perceived as a sing of good fortune and is used as an offering. The fingers do not have any seeds or juice.
Bush Lemon
Bush lemons or rough lemons are known as a wild type that grows in Australia. These have a very rigid and thick skin and the peel possess a strong taste.
These lemons are characterized because they are self-reproducing, meaning that all it takes for a new plant to grow is its seeds falling to the soil. The downside is that these lemons won’t give you much juice so these served as grafting other lemons.
Citron Lemon
Citron lemon doesn’t possess much liquid however, every single bit is of value. These have the ability to weigh up to ten pounds and comes in three subtypes; acidic pulp, non-acidic pulp, and pulp-free groups. A specimen of these include Buddha’s Hand Lemon and Yemenite.
This is considered a wild lemon type that grows in India and is regarded for its medicinal use. Its oil has been used as an antibiotic.
Dorshapo Lemon
If you thought all lemons were acidic you are wrong. Dorshapo actually has a sweet flavor and is named after the individuals who grew it; Dorsett, Shamel, and Popenoe.
Eureka Lemon
The Eureka Lemon is often compared to the Lisbon lemon. Eureka is recognized because they come with a nipple on the end of it. These grow all over the world and are easily found in the market, with these trees you’ll have lemons the whole year.
Fino Citron Lemon
These are a smaller type of lemon and don’t have as much juice as other types. You need to be careful when picking up these lemons due to the thorns in its tree. These only bear fruit twice a year and though they are acidic, they have a nice taste; that said these are not that popular since they come with a lot of seeds.
Greek Citron Lemon
This type comes from Ionian Islands and is also called Corfu Etrog. Its main use is in rituals.
Lisbon Lemon
Like Eureka, Lisbon Lemon also has a teat at the end part. These are often found in the Florida market and are known for being very acidic and few to zero seeds. This tree has thorns and is fruitful two times a year.
Meyer Lemon
These types of lemons have the shape of an egg and is sweet and juicy, and is actually a blend of a lemon and a sweet orange. It presents a yellow and orange fusion and is a bit acidic. Meyer lemons are around the whole year and is used in many recipes. You can find these in California, Texas and Florida.
Organic Lemons
Organic types are widely famous because you can use every single part without having to worry about harmful chemicals. Is not only consider a healthier choice for humans but it is also favorable to the environment.
Ponderosa Lemon
Like Bush Lemons, Ponderosa lemons are also another type with hard, thick skin. It was originated in Maryland in the 1800s and is considered a mix between a lemon and a citron. This type of tree can’t grow in cool temperatures.
Sweet Lemon
Also known as sweet limetta or lime; these come from India and the Mediterranean. These have a great quantity of lemon oil.
True Lemon
These lemons are very acidic and are compared to the Eureka and the Lisbon Lemons.
Verna Lemon
These are acidic lemons with little seeds and thick skin. These are known for having a large amount of juice.
Avon Lemon
These come from Florida and are utilized to prepare a concentrate.
Baboon Lemon
This type comes from Brazil and presents a bright yellow color and their taste is that of lime than lemon.
Bonnie Brae Lemon
This type is known for its smooth skin and seedless inside and is grown in California.
Cameron Highlands Lemons
These are from Malaysia and grow in the wild in the Cameron Highlands region. This type is not grown by farmers. You can also find different types of coconuts in this area.
Escondido Lemons
This small, bright yellow lemon has very little juice and is named after the Escondido River in Nicaragua where they are found.
Femminello St. Teresa Lemons
This is a highly acidic type of lemon which grows in Italy and are only popular in that part of the country.
Genoa Lemons
This type of Lemon comes from Genoa, Italy.
Interdonato Lemons
This type of lemons have a bitterness to them and very little juice, these come from Italy and Turkey.
Jhambiri Lemons
Widely popular in South Asia, these lemons have a sour taste and hard skin.
Kutdiken Lemon
This type comes from Italy and Turkey and is compared to the Femminello and the Eureka types.
Lamas Lemon
This type is grown in Turkey and known for its high quality.
Lapithkiotiki Lemon
These lemons come from Cypress and are compared to the Genoa and Eureka types.
Lemonade Lemon
These lemons have a soft yellow color and have a bit of grapefruit taste in their flavor.
Nepali Oblong Lemon
This type comes from India and shows a mild acidity and has a large amount of juice.
Perrine Lemon
Known for having a lot of juice in them, these are actually a cross between a Mexican Lime and a Genoa Lemon.
Pink Lemonade Lemon
This are sour, standard size lemons and you can tell them apart by the veins that form around the rind prior to being picked.
Variegated Pink Lemon
This type of lemon has green lines that fade away into a dark yellow when its matured. The inside is pink in color.
Villafranca Lemon
This come from Florida and though these are still grown, they aren’t as famous as they used to be.
Volkamer Lemon
These are small, circled lemons that grow in Italy and famous for their little acidity level.
Yen Ben Lemon
This type of lemon tree can get as high as 10 feet, it is collected twice a year over the Autumn and Winter seasons. These have sturdy skin.
How To Keep Lemons Fresh?
Most of the produce we get from the market goes directly to the refrigerator and lemons like any other fruit are not the exception. No matter how much you want to exhibit your bright yellow lemons inside a pretty vase, it is not a good idea to leave them at room temperature or you’ll end up with dry lemons.
If you want to keep your fresh, it is of utmost importance to keep them in the fridge. Once inside your fridge, whether on a shelf or inside the drawer, your lemons will retain their quality for a few days but will still be nice for up to three weeks.
If you end up with half a lemon, all you need to do is to wrap the exposed area or put it in a container. Make sure to use it in the next few days. Therefore, the same goes for lemon slices, wedges, and zest; just keep them in a container inside the fridge and use them within the same week.
Fresh lemon juice can also be kept in your fridge for a few days.
How To Store Lemons So It Stays Fresh For Longer?
If you wish to extend the freshness of your lemons, then you should freeze them.
Place your lemons in an airtight container or freezer bag and keep them in good shape for over a month.
Lemon juice can also be frozen and kept for about two weeks. Just transfer the liquid into your ice cube tray. Once is completely frozen, remove to a sealed container.
Lemon Zest can also be kept for longer, just place it in an airtight container or sealed bag and inside the freezer.
Can You freeze Lemons?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze lemons in order to preserve them for a longer period of time.
In fact, you can freeze lemons and all its bits, its juice, wedges, slices, and zest. All you need to do is make sure to press out as much air as possible from your freezer bags prior to sealing.
Always remember to wash the lemons prior to freezing, with enough soap and water.
What To Do With Lemons Before They Go Bad?
All types of lemons can go rancid and like any other fruit, it can go off if left out in the open, say at your countertop and at room temperature.
That said, the beauty of this fruit is that a whole lemon can last for up to a week on your countertop thanks to its sturdy skin.
However, if you notice a change in texture, color, or smell, or see any signs of molding, you may want to double-check before using the particular lemon.
But before this happens, there’s plenty of culinary uses you can give to any type of lemons. Check out some of our favorite recipe ideas below.
Our Favorite And Easiest Lemon Recipes
Lemon Detox Smoothie With One Of Our Favorite Types Of Lemons
This delicious and energizing Lemon Detox Smoothie is just what you need.