When life gives you lemons…
Lemon is arguably one of the world’s most popular flavours. From moist lemon cake to refreshing lemon sorbet, this tangy citrus fruit is featured in all kinds of delicious dishes. Not to mention, it’s the highlight of this Lemon Bar recipe! Yet, its journey to our tables is still a bit unclear.
Experts believe that the earliest 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 then on to the rest of the world.
Research suggests that present-day lemons are a hybrid of bitter orange and citron(2). It’s believed that they arrived in Europe through southern Italy around 200 AD, though they may have looked a bit different than the ones we use in our Lemon Bar recipe today. Christopher Columbus brought the fruit to the Americas in 1493.
People valued lemons not only for their taste but also for their appearance, aroma, and medicinal properties. In ancient Rome, due to its rarity, the fruit was a costly status symbol for the elite. Hundreds of years later, the British Royal Navy began issuing lemon juice to its sailors to prevent and treat scurvy.(3)
Today, growers cultivate several varieties of lemons in various locations across the globe, from Spain to California. The fruit’s refreshing flavour, impressive health benefits, and easy availability have made it a staple in kitchens and restaurants everywhere. Plus, you can use Lemon in aromatherapy to lift your mood or in skincare to brighten your complexion. All of which is to say, there’s a lot more you can do with a lemon than just make lemonade!
