Meyer lemons are very popular in fruit gardens and orchards around the world. The sweet and sour taste of these citrus fruits have gained them global recognition over the years, and now they are widely grown in the southern United States, including in the state of California. But when exactly is the right season to harvest these delicious fruits?
Meyer lemons are a cross between a regular lemon, and an orange or mandarin, with a sweet and more mild flavor. Their season of harvest usually arrives at the middle of winter, usually around December and January. The harvesting season for Meyer lemons lasts for around three months, generally ending by early spring. The peak season for these fruits is during midwinter, with their tartness reaching its peak at this time.
When it comes to harvesting these fruits from their trees, timing is essential. Meyer lemons need to be harvested when the fruits are still green and slightly soft to the touch. Some farmers prefer to wait for the fruits to become slightly yellow in order to produce a sweeter flavor. The longer the lemon stays on the tree, the more flavorful and softer the fruit will be. By February, the fruits will start to turn yellow, which is a sign that they are ready to pick.
It is important to pick Meyer lemons before they soften and turn yellow. If they stay on the tree too long, the fruit can lose its sweetness and their rind can become hard and thick. It is also important to keep in mind that the Meyer lemons must be picked when they are still fairly young, otherwise they will be too spicy and acidic to taste. Lastly, the quality of the fruit will depend on the way it is harvested and stored.
The quality of Meyer lemon fruits can be enhanced by harvesting them correctly. If the fruits are ripe, but not too ripe, they can be easily picked from the tree without breaking them. The freshly picked Meyer lemons should be kept in a cool and dry place, and eaten within a few days. Furthermore, if the lemons are not going to be eaten immediately, they can be kept in the fridge and enjoyed later.
Harvesting Timing
Harvesting Meyer lemons do require a certain degree of timing in order to obtain the optimal flavor. This timing involves allowing the lemons to ripen on the tree before taking them off for consumption. Ideally, lemons should be harvested when they still have a slight green color to them, but are starting to become yellow in hue. Once off the tree, Meyer lemons can be stored for later use. The acidity of the fruit should not be excessive as it may become too tart if the fruit ripens too long.
In Season Supply
The great thing about Meyer lemons is that they are in season during the months of winter, between December and February. This supply of these citrus fruits makes them a great choice for wintertime cooking or baking. During the winter months, consumers have easy access to the fruit, so they can have their fill of this unique and delicious taste.
Storage Guidelines
Properly stored Meyer lemons last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to three months, depending on the temperature of the freezer. Meyer lemons should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or bag, and for longer periods of time, they can be frozen. Meyer lemons can also be juiced and frozen for extended use.
Uses for Meyer Lemons
Due to their unique flavor profile, Meyer lemons are often used in cooking, baking and other recipes. They can be used to add a zesty flavor to dressings and sauces, or to create a sweet-and-sour flavoring for marinades and marmalades. In baking, Meyer lemons can be used to make cakes and pies, or even just consumed plain. Whether it’s used in savory cooking or sweet desserts, the Meyer lemon is always sure to bring bright flavor to any meal.
Types of Meyer Lemons
Different types of Meyer lemons offer consumers a wide range of flavor and texture options. Some types are sweeter, while others are more acidic, allowing for more diversity with their usage in recipes. Some of the more common types of Meyer lemons are the Goldrush, Tarocco and Eureka varieties, which come in a variety of sizes ranging from small to medium and large.
