When it comes to selecting meyer lemons from the tree, timing is of the essence. Whether homegrown or bought from the store, a lemon should be picked when it is ripe and shows signs of a change in color from green to yellow. Historically, meyer lemons have been used in many culinary dishes and reputed to have medicinal properties, making them a popular choice for many households. Failing to pick a meyer lemon at the right time can have a significant impact on the taste and texture of the fruit, as well as its nutritious value. To help ensure one gets the most out of their meyer lemons, here is when to pick them off the tree.
When the Fruit Develops a Subtle Color Change
The ideal time to pick a meyer lemon from the tree is when its color has changed slightly; when the greenness has started to diminish and it has developed a hint of yellow. At this stage, the lemon is ripe and fit for consumption, meaning it can be plucked from the branch and used as intended. By waiting until the change in color is slightly more noticeable, one can avoid an under ripe lemon that will still be tart and difficult to cut through. Additionally, the flavor and color will be less pronounced.
The Fruit is Soft to the Touch
Another sign to look for when deciding to pick a meyer lemon off the tree is to gently feel for softness. Lemons that are ready for harvest are slightly softer than those that are still maturing. This can be checked by touching the rind of the lemon and feeling for a slight give. If the fruit isn’t giving off any sign of softness, it’s most likely not yet ready to be plucked.
The Lemons are Easy to Detach
A ripe meyer lemon will easily detach from the branch. This is because the fruit has already achieved full maturity and can be safely eaten. If the lemon is still quite firm and difficult to pluck, then it means that the fruit is still growing and hasn’t reached its peak yet. In such cases, one should be sure to check for other signs that can help one decide whether the meyer lemon is ready for harvest.
The Fruit is Larger Than Normal Sizes
A meyer lemon that has reached full maturity tends to be slightly larger than those that are still growing. This can be seen by assessing the overall size of the fruit in accordance to others on the same tree. If a particular lemon stands out due to size, then it may be a good candidate for harvesting. However, it’s important to remember that size isn’t an exact science; one shouldn’t rely too heavily on size as a determining factor.
Establish the Difference in Scents
A ripe meyer lemon will emit a faint yet distinguishable citrusy scent when left in a bowl or on the kitchen counter. This is because the fruit has developed its natural sugars, which are responsible for the aroma. It may take a few days to a few weeks for the scent to become more pronounced; however, if a lemon is picked too soon then there won’t be much of an aroma at all.
Can the Flesh of the Fruit be Easily Cut?
Another great way to tell whether a meyer lemon is ready for harvest is by checking the flesh of the fruit. When ripe, a meyer lemon should be easy to cut with a sharp knife. If it takes a lot of pressure to slice through the rind, then the lemon should be left on the tree for a while longer. In such cases, one should give the fruit some more time to ripen and check it again in a few weeks.
Gather Color and Size Data
When picking meyer lemons from the tree, it’s wise to gather data on the color and size of the fruit. Armed with such information, one can make an informed decision as to when to pick meyer lemons from the tree. If the lemons are all the same size and color, then it’s likely that either a) none of the fruits are ripe yet or b) all the fruits have reached their peak maturity. Gathering data can also provide insights on when to expect the next batch of lemons to ripen.
Be Patient for Perfect Meyers
When it comes to selecting the perfect meyer lemon from the tree, patience is key. It may take weeks for the fruit to ripen and change in color, size, and texture. With that said, it’s important to be patient and allow the fruit to mature properly so it can reach its peak sweetness. Waiting a few extra weeks can make all the difference in the quality and taste of the lemon.
Check for Firmness and Rigidness of the Fruit
Firmness and rigidness are two of the major signs that a meyer lemon is ripe and ready for harvest. A mature meyer lemon will be slightly firm to the touch, and when slightly squashed with one’s fingers, the two halves of the fruit will stay together. If the lemon is still fairly hard and rigid, then it means it hasn’t yet reached full ripeness and isn’t ready to be picked from the tree.
Look for Shrivel or Detachment of Leaves
Another sign of ripeness in a meyer lemon is the shriveling or detachment of some of the leaves from the stem. This is because a ripe lemon has put a lot of energy into producing a great-tasting fruit, at the expense of the leaves. If the leaves appear brittle or have detached from the stem, then it’s usually a good sign that the lemon is ripe and ready for plucking.
Prioritise Fully-Ripe Lemons
When choosing meyer lemons from the tree, it’s paramount to prioritize fully-ripe fruit. This means selecting lemons that have a yellow hue and slightly soft surface, lemons that are easy to detach from the branch and the ones that smell of citrus. Choosing such meyer lemons ensures that one gets the best tastes and textures out of their fruits.
Storing for Future Use
At times, it may be difficult to pick all the meyer lemons from the tree at once due to their ripeness. To avoid wastage, it’s a good idea to store the lemons in an air-tight container and refrigerate them for up to two weeks. This will help to preserve their flavor, texture, and nutritional value until they are ready to be used. On the other hand, homegrown meyer lemons can also be frozen and kept for months.
