Lemons are an interesting citrus fruit that are a popular ingredient in many cooking recipes and its zest and juice are often used in baking, dressings and marinades. Many people want to know when do lemons turn yellow on tree? It is actually a surprisingly complex process.
The lemon tree is one of the most common types of citrus trees and are generally found in warm, sunny climates. The lemon tree grows best in soils with a pH balance between 5.5 and 6.5. When planted in a sunny, well-draining location, the seedlings will eventually reach about 15 feet tall by 10 feet wide. An important factor that often impacts when lemons turn yellow on tree is the season, as lemons generally reach full maturity in mid to late summer.
The lemon tree starts to flower in spring and early summer, with the flowers eventually turning into small green fruits. It takes approximately four to six months after the fruit has set on the tree for them to turn yellow and reach maturity. However, the exact ripening period is dependent on a variety of factors such as the temperatures in the area, the amount of rainfall, the type of citrus tree and the size of the lemon.
In some cases, harvest season for lemons may begin earlier or later than expected due to environmental variables. For example, cooler temperatures and less sun during the spring and early summer can delay the ripening of lemons while hot and dry weather can speed it up. Additionally, larger fruit on the tree will typically turn yellow and become ripe sooner than smaller ones.
Once the lemons turn yellow on tree, they should be picked as soon as possible to ensure the highest quality and sweetest flavor. Leaving them on the tree any longer can lead to a higher acidity and sharp, bitter taste. After being picked, lemons should be refrigerated or stored in cool, dark places to keep them fresh as long as possible.
How Do You Know When Lemons Are Ripe?
When lemons start to turn from a green to yellow color, that’s a major sign that they are ripe. Additionally, it’s fairly easy to tell when lemons are ripe just by squeezing them. If the lemon yields to a gentle pressure, it is likely ready to be picked. The texture of the skin should also be slightly bumpy with an oily feel. Any lemons that have a smooth texture should not be harvested.
Another quick way to determine when lemons are ready to be picked is to use an acidity testing tool. This simple tool generally looks like a small meter with a needle that can be inserted into a lemon to measure its acidity levels. The higher the needle shows on the meter, the riper the lemon is.
When harvesting lemons, make sure to use protective gloves as the oils on the fruit can irritate the skin. Also, never harvest fruit off the ground as it may have incurred damage and be more prone to decay. Finally, never pick fruit when it is wet as this can damage the outside skin and make it more susceptible to mold.
Types of Lemons
There are several different varieties of lemons available for both commercial and home use. The most common type of lemon is the Meyer lemon, which is small and has a yellow-orange peel. These lemons are known for their sweet, mild flavor. Other popular types of lemons include the Eureka lemon, the Lisbon lemon and the Variegated lemon.
The Eureka lemon is a large, bright yellow lemon that has a rough texture and a strong, tart flavor. The Lisbon lemon is a medium-sized lemon known for its juiciness and acidity, while the Variegated lemon is a medium-sized lemon with a bright yellow-green mottled peel. Regardless of the type of lemon chosen, harvesting them when they turn yellow on tree is key for ensuring the best flavor.
Storing Lemons
Once the lemons have been picked from the tree, they should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration is the best option for keeping them fresh for a longer period of time. Lemons stored in a cool refrigerator will last for up to two weeks. For longer-term storage, lemons can be frozen or dried.
If freezing lemons, they should be washed and dried well before being placed in an airtight container or freezer-style plastic bag. Lemons will last up to six months in the freezer if stored properly. As for drying, the lemons should be cut into thin slices and spread out in a single layer on parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Once fully dried, the lemons should be placed in an airtight container and stored in a dry, dark place for up to 1 year. For maximum freshness, it is recommended to only dry the amount of lemons that can be used within a short amount of time.
Preserving Lemons
Preserving lemons is a great way to make them last for a longer period of time. Lemons can be preserved in a salt and lemon juice mixture, or in oil for a different flavor. To preserve the lemons, first wash and pat dry the fruit and then cut them in half. Place the lemon halves in a sterilized glass jar and add an even layer of either salt or oil.
Once the lemons are in the jar, cover them with cold, filtered water, making sure that all of the lemons are fully submerged. Seal the jar and store it in a dark, cool place for two to three weeks. Once the two-week period has passed, the lemons should be ready to use.
Preserved lemons can be used in a variety of recipes such as salad dressings and sauces. They can also be added whole to stews and soups, or simply used as a garnish. Preserved lemons should be kept in the refrigerator and should last for up to four months.
Drying Lemons
Dried lemons are a great way to extend the life of fresh lemons. Dried lemons have a mild flavor that works well in many different recipes such as marinades, dressings and baked goods. To dry fresh lemons, first wash and pat dry the fruit. Cut the lemons into thin slices and spread out in a single layer on parchment paper lined baking sheets.
Place the baking sheets in the oven and set the temperature to 215-220 F. After the lemons are in the oven, leave them for 1.5-2 hours, depending on their thickness. The lemons should be dried to a deep golden color and leathery texture. Once the lemons are fully dried, they should be cooled and stored in an airtight container.
Dried lemons can be used in a wide variety of recipes, especially in ones that require an acidic flavor. They can be rehydrated and used in sauces, soups and even fermented beverages. Dried lemons should keep for up to one year in an airtight container.
Pickling Lemons
Pickling lemons is a great way to add a unique combination of sweet and tart flavors to a variety of dishes. To pickle lemons, first wash the fruits and pat dry. Cut the lemons into thin slices, making sure to remove any seeds from the slices.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the lemon slices with bay leaves, freshly sliced garlic, fresh herbs, spices and white vinegar. Bring the content of the pot to a simmer and cook for 1 hour. Once the lemons have cooked, turn off the heat and transfer the mixture to a jar.
The pickled lemons should be left to cool at room temperature and then stored in the refrigerator for up to one month. Pickled lemons can be used in a variety of dishes such as salads, pizza, sandwiches and even pastas.
