Meyer Lemons and Blood Oranges - Paula Deen Magazine (2024)

FAQs

What is so special about Meyer lemons? ›

The truth is, they're an entirely different breed. Compared to sour Eureka and Lisbon lemons (the varieties you'll find year-round at most grocery stores), Meyer lemons are sweeter and less acidic, with lovely floral undertones.

They're sweet enough that they can even be added raw to various dishes; although you probably still wouldn't want to eat one whole like you would an orange, you can mix chunks or slices of Meyer lemon into salads and salsa.

Sweeter than traditional lemons, Meyers are a cross between a mandarin orange and a lemon or a citron and a mandarin x pomelo depending on your source.

Meyer lemons are available in stores between December and May. Their limited season and fragile skin (which makes them more difficult to ship) naturally make them more expensive and harder to get your hands on than regular lemons. Though the season may be short, you can easily extend it with the help of your freezer.

They can be used in place of regular lemons in many recipes, but keep in mind that they contain more sugar and less acid, and thus have a softer flavor than their famously sour siblings. Find 10 great ways to use Meyer lemons below.

Lemons are best kept in the fridge. Stashed in the fridge in the crisper drawer or on a shelf, fresh lemons will keep for two weeks or more. If you really want your lemons to last, keep them in a sealed container (there are even specialty produce keepers for this purpose) or a resealable plastic bag.

Yes, you can. The method is simple, and the result is fabulous. You'll find many uses for frozen lemons, and you can use nearly every part of the fruit in the process. Freezing lemons means you'll always have fresh lemon on hand to add zip to dishes and tang to drinks.

Eureka lemons are definitely of the bitter lemon variety (AKA a “true” lemon), while the fruit of a Meyer lemon tree tends to be sweeter because it's actually a hybrid between a true lemon and the sweeter mandarin orange. Meyer lemon trees produce smaller, orange-yellow fruit that is thinner-skinned than eureka lemons.

A darling of the culinary world, Meyer lemons are a lemon-orange hybrid. Rounder than Lisbons or Eurekas, they also have a smoother and thinner rind, and a creamier yellow complexion. The flavor is sweeter and boasts a distinct floral fragrance.

However, since lemons are so acidic, they may affect individuals who are sensitive or have acid reflux/GERD-type issues, warns Sheth. Regarding how much you can have per day, juice from two to three lemons (four to six tablespoons) can provide half the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, she says.

Is it okay to eat lemon peels? ›

Can You eat lemon peels? You can eat properly cleaned lemon peels, as they have many beneficial properties, such as being high in antioxidants and vitamin C. You should be mindful when consuming lemon peel, however, because they are quite acidic. Consider consuming lemon peels in moderation.

Citrus trees, such as oranges, lemons, and limes, thrive in slightly acidic soil. Coffee grounds have a mild acidic nature, making them an ideal amendment to help balance the pH levels around your citrus trees.

For Meyer Lemon Trees, you want a mix that doesn't skimp on phosphorus or potassium. A balanced 10-10-10 or 14-7-14 mix can work wonders. But remember, too much nitrogen and your tree might go all leafy on you, at the expense of flowers and fruit.

The Meyer lemon is sweeter than other lemons with only a slight tartness, and is said to taste a bit like a tangerine, or a navel orange. It is used often to season fish and seafood.

Meyer lemons resemble an orange in shape, color, and pulp, more than they do a true lemon. Eureka lemon trees produce oblong, juicy fruit that has a medium-gold color, and while the skin is thicker than that of Meyer lemons, it is softer. Meyer lemons tend to be sweeter and less acidic than eureka lemons.

The differences are very distinct, especially when you see both varieties side by side. Taste – While they're moderately acidic, Meyer lemons don't have the same tang as regular lemons. Instead, they're much sweeter — so much so that some people enjoy adding the raw segments to their salads or desserts.

Citrus fruits have a distinctive nutrition profile, and Meyer lemons are no exception! They are high in vitamin C, folate, and phytonutrients called flavanones, which have antioxidant and anticancer properties.

If you prefer a more traditional tart lemon flavor for culinary applications or juicing, Eureka and Lisbon lemons are excellent choices. However, if you desire a sweeter and milder flavor, Meyer lemons would be a great option.