Meyer lemons, a cross between a lemon and a tangerine, were discovered in China by Frank Meyer and introduced to the US in 1908. They are now popular in cuisine due to their sweetness and subtleties, but are primarily grown as ornamentals. The Meyer lemon tree is hardy, but sensitive to frost and predatory slugs, and was found to carry a destructive citrus virus in the 1940s. An improved, virus-free version is now available and referred to as “Enhanced Meyer Lemon”. They are not grown on a large scale by commercial citrus growers due to their delicate skins, but can be purchased as trees or through mail order companies for home use.
Meyer lemons (Citrus meyeri) are native to China, where they are believed to have originated from a cross between a lemon and a tangerine less than five hundred years ago. The plant was discovered by Frank Meyer, an employee of the US Department of Agriculture, while exploring in China. Meyer introduced Meyer lemons to the United States in 1908.
Primarily grown as ornamentals, Meyer lemons saw a surge in popularity in the United States as a culinary fruit when celebrity chefs such as Alice Waters began incorporating them into fashionable cooking during the latter part of the twentieth century. Professional chefs and foodies alike have developed an appreciation for the subtleties of the Meyer Lemon.
The Meyer lemon tree grows to an average height of 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet), although it can be pruned to be kept to a smaller size as an ornamental pot. The trees bear glossy dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers. Meyer lemons, when ripe, are round and bright yellow, with a slightly orange cast. Meyer lemons are sweeter than Eureka and Lisbon lemons and their peel is tender and edible.
The Meyer lemon tree is relatively hardy. It likes sandy, well-drained soil and full sun for at least eight hours a day. Must have constant water, but does not like “wet feet” or standing water. At maturity, usually after about three to four years, the Meyer lemon tree bears generously. In a suitably tropical climate, the Meyer lemon tree can bear fruit in all four seasons.
The Meyer lemon tree is sensitive to hard frost and predatory slugs. Sometime in the 1940s, the Meyer lemon was discovered to carry an extremely destructive citrus virus. To protect the native citrus crop, most of the Meyer lemon trees in the United States have been uprooted. Decades later, an improved, virus-free version of the Meyer lemon tree was developed and propagated once again in the United States. The virus-free incarnation is referred to as “Enhanced Meyer Lemon”.
Sweet and full of juice, Meyer lemons are excellent for use in sauces, dressings and vinaigrettes, as well as desserts such as lemon bars and lemon pies. Meyer lemons can be cut, with the skin intact, and used as an edible garnish for salads, appetizers, and desserts. With the sweetness of a tart orange and the tingling brightness of a conventional lemon, Meyer lemons seem to combine the best of both worlds.
Because of their delicate skins, Meyer lemons themselves do not hold up well to shipping and are therefore generally not grown on a large scale by commercial citrus growers. For home use, keeping a Meyer lemon tree is recommended. Trees can be purchased from online nurseries. Alternatively, Meyer lemons are available in small numbers through mail order companies.
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