Meyer lemon trees produce juicy, sweet lemons with a unique flavor and aroma. But when is the best time to pick lemons from a Meyer lemon tree? Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know.
Check the Color and Smell
The color of Meyer lemon fruits can indicate when it’s time to pick your lemons. Generally, when the lemons are ripe and ready for harvesting, they’ll turn from a light green to a bright yellow hue. The lemons should also feel soft to the touch. The smell of sweet Meyer lemon aromas can also be a good indication that your lemons are ripe and ready for harvesting.
Different Seasons for Different Trees
Different Meyer lemon trees in different climates will produce ripe lemons at different times of the year. Trees grown in Mediterranean climates will produce ripe lemons in the fall, while those in tropical climates will have ripe fruits through the warm months. Trees in temperate climates can have ripe fruits any time of year, with a peak in the late winter.
Watch for Signs of Under or Overripeness
If lemons stay on the tree for too long, they’ll become overripe and start to split open. If the lemons seem to be significantly lighter in color than other Meyer lemons in the tree, this can also be an indication that they’re overripe. If the fruits don’t have a sweet smell or their skin is hard, they may not be ripe enough yet.
Check the Tree’s Needs
Before picking Meyer lemons from your tree, you should check the soil and branches to make sure your tree is healthy. If the soil is dry, you should water the tree to give it enough moisture. Also check the branches and leaves for any signs of pests or diseases, and treat them if necessary.
Pick Lemons in Stages
When your Meyer lemon tree is ready for harvesting, it’s best to pick the lemons in stages. Start by picking a small batch of lemons first and then wait a few days to pick the next batch. This will give your tree time to produce more ripe lemons for harvesting.
Harvest Zone
Different areas will have different regulations when it comes to harvesting Meyer lemons. In California, for example, you must be over 16 years of age and have a valid California driver’s license to be able to harvest lemons from a Meyer lemon tree. Make sure to check the regulations in your area before harvesting.
Freeze Lemons for Later Use
If you harvest more lemons than you can use, you can freeze them to preserve them for later. Meyer lemons can be frozen whole or in slices, and they should last up to 6 months in the freezer. To freeze whole Meyer lemons, simply place them in an airtight bag and store them in a freezer. To freeze lemon slices, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then transfer the frozen slices to an airtight bag or container and store them in the freezer.
Prepare the Tree for Winter
When harvesting your lemons, make sure to leave some of the fruits on the tree. This will allow the tree to store energy and prepare itself for winter. It’s best to harvest the rest of the lemons when they’re ripe to maximize the sweetness and flavor of the lemons.
Use Meyer Lemons Right Away
If you want to enjoy the full flavor and aroma of Meyer lemons, use them shortly after harvesting. Meyer lemons are best eaten soon after picking them, as the flavor and aroma will diminish over time. You can use Meyer lemons in a variety of recipes, from drinks to cakes and savory dishes.
Different Ways to Use Meyer Lemons
Meyer lemons can be used in a variety of ways. The juice and zest from the lemons can be used to add a unique flavor and aroma to drinks, salads, desserts and other dishes. The peel of a Meyer lemon can also be candied and used as a garnish. The peels can also be steeped in alcohol to make pomanders or liqueurs.
Recipes Using Meyer Lemons
There are many delicious recipes that use Meyer lemons. From drinks to desserts, there are numerous ways to enjoy the unique flavor of Meyer lemons. Some of the most popular recipes include Meyer lemon sorbet, Meyer lemon curd, Meyer lemon vinaigrette, Meyer lemon meringue pies, Meyer lemon bars and Meyer lemon cocktails.
Preserving Meyer Lemons
If you have extra Meyer lemons, you can preserve them for later use. Meyer lemons can be preserved by canning, freezing or drying. You can also make jams or jellies from Meyer lemons or infuse them in alcohol to make liqueurs. While freezing is the easiest and quickest way to preserve Meyer lemons, it’s also the least flavorful. Canning and drying tend to be more time-consuming but will result in more flavorful preserved lemons.
