Lemons

A sharp, familiar citrus, long grown in the Mediterranean and later shipped from the Azores to England.

The lemon (Citrus x limon) is a small tree or spreading bush of the rue family and its edible fruit. Britannica Citric acid may amount to 5 percent or more by weight of the lemon's juice, which is also rich in vitamin C. Britannica

The lemon was introduced into Spain and North Africa sometime between the years 1000 and 1200 CE. Britannica In 1494 the fruit was being cultivated in the Azores and shipped largely to England. Britannica The lemon was thought by Linnaeus to be a variety of citron (Citrus medica), though it is now known to be a separate hybrid species. Britannica

The lemon plant forms an evergreen spreading bush or small tree, 3-6 metres (10-20 feet) high if not pruned. Britannica The fruit is oval with a broad, low, apical nipple and forms 8 to 10 segments. Britannica The white spongy inner part of the peel, called the mesocarp or albedo, is nearly tasteless and is the chief source of commercial grades of pectin. Britannica

The relatively cool, equable climatic zones of coastal Italy and California are especially favourable for lemon cultivation. Britannica Lemon trees usually bloom throughout the year, and the fruit is picked 6 to 10 times a year. Britannica The fruit is usually picked while still green and, after curing, may be kept three months or more in storage. Britannica

Young lemon trees reach bearing age as early as the third year after planting, and commercial crops may be expected during the fifth year. Britannica The average orchard yield per tree is 1,500 lemons a year. Britannica

Some lemons, for example, will be fine as low as 5 degrees C (42 degrees F). RHS If you are new to growing citrus fruit, the RHS says it is best to start with one of the easier types, such as lemons. RHS