When it comes to deciding when to pick lemons from a tree, the answer depends on the variety and the ripeness of the fruit. Lemons are picky about when to harvest, so you must pay attention to the signs that indicate if lemons are ripe. With the right timing and preparation, you can pick perfect lemons that have the right balance of tart and sweet.
The right time to pick lemons depends on the variety, so you should consider the cultivar you are growing. Generally, lemons should be ripe when they start to turn yellow. The fruit should still have some green on the rind, indicating it’s not fully ripe yet but almost there. You should also check for a bright, acidic smell and a firm but slightly soft texture.
In addition to timing, you’ll also need a few supplies before harvesting. First, make sure you have a ladder and some pruning shears. Pruners should be used to cut off the stem that connects the lemon to the tree. Lemons should be pulled from the tree gently using both hands to avoid breaking the fruit.
When harvesting, be sure to take care of the tree. Smaller branches can be used for small quantities of lemons, but you should use the ladder for more considerable amounts. Especially when the tree is heavily laden with fruit. Take only a few lemons from each branch at a time, so you don’t weigh down the tree’s beloved limbs.
When you’re ready to pick, wear gloves to protect your hands from the lemon tree’s thorns. You may also consider planting a few trees in the garden because lemons tend to take some time to ripen. If you have limited space, plant trees that are ‘bush’ types as they can fit in small containers.
Another trick is to place some netting around the trees to keep birds, possums, other wildlife, and other people from taking the fruit before its ripe. This is especially important if you’re fond of making your own lemonade or juice. This way, you can decide when the lemons are ready to be harvested and the tree will benefit from its protective fence.
Finally, it is essential to maintain the care of the trees after harvest. Pruning prevents overcrowding and keeps the shape of the tree consistent. This care also helps promote bud set, which increases the likelihood of a heavy harvest the next season.
Varieties
The availability of lemon varieties varies in different parts of the world. In Europe and North America, the Eureka and Lisbon lemons are the most common. Further south, lemons from Mexico and Brazil are more common and include the Yen Ben, Ponderosa, and Femminello Santa Teresa. In Asia, the Meyer lemon is the most favored type.
Lemons taste the best when picked from the tree at the peak of ripeness, so you’ll want to harvest at the right time to get the best flavor. With the Eureka and Lisbon varieties, you should wait for the fruit to turn yellow and slightly soft to the touch. However, with the other varieties mentioned, you should wait until the fruit is mostly yellow with a bit of green and a bit softer.
It’s also essential to pay attention to the tree’s abundantness. You can tell if a tree is heavy with lemons by brushing the branches and seeing if they drop. Just be sure to avoid over-harvesting, as this can damage the tree and decrease future harvests.
A general rule of thumb is to wait until mid-summer, round August or September depending on your location. You should start checking the tree every week or two around this time and pick the fruit when it’s ripe.
When harvested correctly, you can use lemons for a variety of dishes and drinks. Whether you’re planning to use them for desserts, freshly squeezed juice, or savory meals, ripe lemons are the best to harvest and enjoy.
Storage and Preservation
Once you’ve harvested the lemons, it’s essential to store them correctly. If you plan to use the lemons in a couple of days, leave them out in the open at room temperature. The lemons will keep for a few days and will retain their flavor. However, if you can’t use them within a few days, store them in the refrigerator.
Lemons are usually preserved by dehydration or canning. Dehydrating simply requires you to slice the lemons, place them on a baking sheet and dehydrate them in the oven on the lowest heat setting. When frozen, the lemon pieces retain their flavor and vitamins and can last up to one year.
Alternatively, you can also preserve lemons in liquid. One way is to prepare sliced lemons in a mixture of water and salt. Another way is to place the lemons in an airtight container and fill them with olive oil. This will preserve the lemons for up to one year.
It’s also possible to freeze lemons, although this is not the best option for preserving flavor and texture. Before freezing, you need to blanch the lemons for four minutes, then place them in an airtight bag and freeze them. Freezing lemons can preserve them for up to three months.
Finally, you can make jams or jellies out of the lemons you harvest. This may require extra work but is excellent to preserve the lemons and enjoy their flavor throughout the year.
Health Benefits
Besides being used for cooking and preserving, lemons have plenty of health benefits. The citrus fruits are heavily packed with vitamins C and A, as well as plenty of other nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and potassium.
The vitamin C in lemons is a powerful antioxidant that fights off oxidative stress in the body. It’s essential for a healthy immune system during cold and flu season and protects against cardiovascular diseases. In addition, Vitamin C promotes the production of collagen in the body, helping the skin look vibrant and young.
The vitamin A found in lemons is also great for the immune system, as it helps the body fight of viruses and bacteria. In terms of skin health, Vitamin A speeds up cell production and the repair of damaged cells.
Aside from its antioxidant activity, lemons provide a cleansing effect. Lemons boast a broad range of detoxifying enzymes that help eliminate toxins in the body. Lemons also help reduce inflammation, which is the cause of many diseases, from heart disease to cancer.
When it comes to hydration, lemons are also beneficial due to their electrolytes content. Lemons contain potassium, sodium, and phosphorus, which are essential for proper hydration. They also help regulate fluid balance in the body, helping reduce dehydration.
In summary, lemons are excellent fruits to add to your diet. Their health benefits range from the prevention of diseases to hydration and antioxidant power. As long as you harvest them correctly, you can make the most out of the fruit.
Food Preparation
Lemons can be added to a variety of dishes, from desserts to savory meals. Their tartness works great with creamy ingredients and adds a nice touch of acidity. Lemons are also widely used in decorations, due to their bright color and vibrant flavor.
You can start by adding a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice to salad dressings or vinaigrettes. Also, many savory dishes call for lemon juice, such as roasted seafood and grilled chicken. When finishing a seafood dish, a squeeze of lemon refreshes the palate and gives dishes a nice acidic touch.
Besides savory dishes, lemons can be used for several types of drinks and desserts. Lemonade is one of the most popular drinks, as well as cocktails and mocktails. Or, you can use lemons to create tarts, custards, and other simple desserts.
When cooking with lemons, you should be careful to avoid adding too much acidity. Start by adding a small amount and tasting the dish before adding more. Citrus fruits can overpower ingredients, so be mindful when adding lemons to dishes.
Finally, lemons can also be used to wash foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Washing your produce with a little lemon or vinegar will help eliminate dirt, bacteria and unwanted particles..
Conclusion
Deciding when to pick lemons off the tree depends on the variety and ripeness of the fruit. In Europe and North America, the Eureka and Lisbon lemons are the most common, while in southern areas different types like Yen Ben, Ponderosa, or Femminello Santa Teresa are more common. Lemons can be used for a variety of dishes, drinks, and desserts, plus it has a variety of health benefits.
