When life gives you lemons…
Lemon is arguably one of the most popular flavours in the world. From moist lemon drizzle cake to refreshing lemon sorbet, this tangy citrus fruit features in all kinds of delicious dishes. Not to mention, it’s the highlight of this lemon bars recipe! And yet, the route it took to reach our table is still a little 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 on to the rest of the world.
Studies indicate that modern lemons are a hybrid of sour orange and citron.(2) It’s believed they arrived in Europe through southern Italy in around 200 AD, though they may have looked a little different to the ones we use in our lemon bars recipe today. Christopher Columbus then introduced the fruit to the Americas in 1493.
People prized lemons for not only their taste, but also their appearance, scent, and medicinal properties. In Ancient Rome, the fruit was an expensive status symbol for the elite thanks 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 cultivate several varieties of lemons across the world, 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. Moreover, you can use lemon in aromatherapy to boost your mood, or in skincare to brighten your complexion. All of which means that there’s a lot more you’re able to do with lemons than just make lemonade!
