Where Did Lemons Come From?

When used as a hot drink to ward off the chill of winter or an ice-cold drink to soothe the summer heat, lemonade is the number one choice. This is one citrus that has always been popular for its variety of uses, but has anyone ever given any thought to where it came from?

Actually a member of the berry family, this fruit is small in size with the interior divided into segments. The yellow rind can be used in making spicy oil. Both the juice and the oil of this fragrant fruit are used in many different products. Many meat and fish dishes are enhanced with the flavor of lemon. Food stuff, such as cakes, cookies and even the succulent lollipop are made using this simple citrus.

As for the scent, the rind is used. It is part of many household cleaning products and can be found in soaps, shampoos, perfumes, and a long list of cosmetics.

It is believed that Christopher Columbus planted the first of the lemon trees in America. Much of the year these trees are covered in fragrant blossoms that are white in color and covered with long green leaves. Most trees are also noted for being covered in thorns. The fully ripened fruit appears about seven months after the blossoms. The tree will bear fruit up to fifty years giving us a long time to enjoy its uses and the tasty lemonade drink.

Citrus tree thrive in a climate that is sunny and open. They require well-drained soil that has been enriched with organic matter. Frost has been known to ruin the tree and it can become victim to mites that feed on the leaves. It has often been said that fruit is to be picked but when it comes to lemons, it is advised that the fruit be twisted off the tree to keep the button intact.