Many Types of Lemons and What Makes Them Unique by Jessica L. Pavia
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Assam lemons are long and thin with a green-ish yellow hue that makes them fascinating to look at. At first glance of an unripe Assam lemon, they look like giant finger/caviar limes. These lemons, also called "Kazi Nemu,โ are native to China and Nepal, but you will find them used in a lot of Indian cuisines as well. Assam lemons are also going up in value, (via The Better India).
Sometimes considered a hybrid between a pear and lemon (though this doesn't seem widely sourced), the Lumia lemon does at least resemble the shape of one. Looking at images of the fruit, you can't help but laugh a little. Lumia lemons are hefty things, with a bulbous body that seems to weigh down the tree.
These lemons almost look like a melon on the outside, with a striated green pattern, but cut them open and they're a brilliant soft pink. According to Minneopa Orchards, Pink Variegated lemons are part of the Eureka lemon family. The tree represents a natural mutation discovered in California (via Epic Gardening). Since they are so prized for their beauty, the Pink Variegated lemon trees are typically grown in a dwarf size to make growing in homes โ no matter how large the garden space โ more accessible.
These lemons have a long history, but all we really want (or need) to know is that they are incredibly sweet, given their low acidity. Given their orange color, they're often believed to be a hybrid between a lemon, mandarin, and sweet orange (via Oscar Tintori). Just look at a photo of the fruit and you'll see the similarities. Otaheite lemons are small and round, almost squat. They tend to grow in clusters, their gorgeous orange color juxtaposed against the dark green of the leaves.
Many believe the Volkamer lemon to be a hybrid between a lemon and the sour orange, though some say it's a hybrid with a mandarin lime (via Fresh Point). The inside flesh can look almost shrunken, the carpels narrow thanks to a thicker white pith. Nonetheless, the Volkamer lemon is fairly bitter and slightly acidic, with an overall pleasant flavor. It also has a rind rich in essential oils. Because of this, some people sensitive to acid will substitute "true" lemons with a Volkamer lemon.
Avalon lemons are also called "Avon lemons" which means, either way that you look them up, it's nearly impossible to find information that isn't about a skincare or makeup product. Nonetheless, the photos really show us a lot. Avalon lemons are knobby โ again reminiscent of certain gourds in the fall. They seem to ripen from an earthy green to a bright yellow, the color moving from the pointed side connected to the tree's branch to the bottom half.
The Greek Citron lemon is a spectacle to look at. They are large and tapered to a point at one end. When unripened, they're a light green color โ combined with its shape, the Greek Citron looks almost avocado-like until it ripens. We primarily see Greek Citrons prepared as candies to eat alongside your coffee or baked into fruit cakes for a fun and bright yet chewy bite (via Olive Tomato).
These lemons have some scientific interest behind them. They are a Greek variety, primarily originating in Cyprus, and are extremely important to the local ecosystem (via Cyprus Embassy Trade Center of New York). In fact, citrus production is a huge part of Cyprus's agriculture. Lemons with a thin skin yet high juice content were historically sought after, so Cyprus decided to supply them themselves over the winter and spring seasons.
This lemon is another popular variety in India, however, it was first discovered in Brazil in 1914. The Dorshapo lemon is named after the three researchers who found it โ thus the rather unusual name. According to India Mart, the Dorshapo lemon is basically a mix of a lemon and Limetta. It is very low in acid, which gives the fruit its sweetness. Dorshapo lemons are also totally edible, and often used to make delicious juices with rind and all.
Lemons have a strong taste that resembles a bitter, sour, harsh flavor. Lemon is not typically eaten by itself, it is meant to enhance the flavor of other foods. When lemon is added to foods, it adds a pungent, tart flavor that can be both refreshing and light.
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Many Types of Lemons and What Makes Them Unique by Jessica L. Pavia