When life gives you lemons...
Lemon is arguably one of the most popular flavors in the world. From moist lemon cake to refreshing lemon sorbet, this tangy citrus fruit is featured in all sorts of delicious dishes. Not to mention, it's the highlight of this lemon bar recipe! And yet its path to our tables is still a bit unclear.
Experts believe that the first citrus trees grew in the regions of Assam, Myanmar, and the Yunnan province of China. 1) From there, they spread through Southeast Asia to Australia and from there to the rest of the world.
Research suggests that modern lemons are a hybrid of a sour orange and a citron.(2) They are thought to have arrived in Europe via southern Italy around 200 AD, although they may have looked slightly different from the ones we use in our lemonade recipes today. Christopher Columbus brought the fruit to the Americas in 1493.
People valued lemons not only for their taste, but also for their appearance, scent, and medicinal properties. In ancient Rome, the fruit was a valuable status symbol for the elite due to its rarity. Hundreds of years later, the British Royal Navy began distributing lemon juice to its sailors to prevent and treat scurvy(3).
Today, farmers grow several varieties of lemons all over the world, from Spain to California. The fruit’s refreshing taste, impressive health benefits, and easy availability have made it a staple in kitchens and restaurants everywhere. Plus, lemons can be used in aromatherapy to lift your mood or in skincare to brighten your complexion. All of which means you can do a lot more with lemons than just make lemonade!