Lemons

History

Columbus brought citrus seeds to the Americas in his travels. The commercial lemon industry got its start in the early 1840s and took off during the California Gold Rush in 1849. Scurvy, a disease caused by a deficiency or lack of vitamin C, became very common among California gold miners. When it was discovered that lemon juice containing vitamin C could prevent scurvy, the demand for lemons increased and additional lemon trees were planted to meet the demand. At the peak of the Gold Rush, lemons were sold for as much as $1 each.

Lemons Today

California and Arizona grow 95% of the nation’s lemons. Of the lemons grown in California, almost one-half of the acres in lemon production are in Ventura County.

Source: Sunkist

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Limoneira

Since its beginning in 1893, Limoneira Company has grown to be one of the premier integrated agribusiness operations in the world.

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Season

Lemons season is from August through July in both California and Arizona.

Ripeness

The best lemons are heavy for their size and have a fine-textured skin. Deep yellow lemons are usually more mature than light yellow ones and not quite as acidic.

Storage

Lemons will keep for up to two weeks without refrigeration. To keep them for up to three weeks, place them in a plactic bag in teh crisper of your refrigerator.